Who is the best free agent running back target for the Broncos?
The Denver Broncos finished with the 12th ranked rushing offense in 2021, but their veteran running back Melvin Gordon is a soon-to-be free agent. There is mutual interest between Gordon and John Elway to ink another contract in Denver.
Nonetheless, the Broncos have a future star in Javonte Williams and it’s possible that a team is more desperate to sign Gordon. If the Broncos lose their beloved Gordon, I expect Nathaniel Hackett to want an RB that can nicely fill in the shoes for Gordon if he departs. Although, I don’t expect him to break the bank for a RB not named Melvin Gordon because Williams will clearly be the lead bell-cow in 2022 and beyond. So, who could the aggressive Broncos look to sign? Here are a few cheaper, halfbacks that can complement Williams.
- Chase Edmonds
The Arizona Cardinals RB recorded a career-high rushing yard tally (592) and total yards (903) in 12 games last season. Edmonds is the perfect all-purpose RB that Denver needs Edmonds is ready to blossom at 25 years old. It might be hard for him to take his next step with the Cardinals.
James Conner and Edmonds are both free-agent RBs on the Cardinals. I unequivocally expect the Cardinals to prioritize Conner (15 touchdowns in 2021) and it will be a challenge to retain Edmonds, as well.
- Phillip Lindsay
Phillip Lindsay has the experience, relationships, and success with the Denver Broncos. He ousted a 1,000+ rushing yard season in 2018 and 2019. If the Broncos lose Gordon, they can call their ex-RB in Lindsay.
Lindsay might have struggled in Houston, also known as Alcatraz, but he has plenty of juice at this stage in his career. I expect the talented RB to seek out a prove-it deal, so he could opt to come home. The question is: will he want to return to Denver?
- Matt Breida
The former 49ers speed RB has been injury-riddled (12 missed games in the past two seasons) and buried on the depth chart in the past two seasons, but he still has the dust that Kyle Shanahan saw when he was an x-factor on the 49ers early in his career. In 2018, he clocked 814 yards and he can certainly be a nice backup to Javonte. Breida and Javonte can the “thunder and lightning”.
Breida has the potential to be one of the best “good value signings”, as he will likely have to sign a cheaper deal to prove himself. He has to love the idea of playing in Denver.
