Broncos 2022 Free Agency Preview: Depth at running back is needed

When the NFL free agency kicks off on March 16, the Broncos figure to be one of the most-active teams in the league. On the heels of a fifth-straight losing season, they have plenty of holes to fill. And with a new head coach coming in, they’ll need to tweak the roster to fit what Nathaniel Hackett wants to do.

Currently, the Broncos are roughly $40 million under the 2022 salary cap, but that number could grow a ton, depending on what George Paton decides to do with high-priced veterans. Mike Purcell, Daesean Hamilton and Sam Martin are just some of the names who could be let go to free up space to sign new faces, with more than $50 million potentially available.

How should the Broncos put all of those dollars to use? In the weeks leading up to the start of free agency, we’ll offer a position-by-position breakdown of the best players projected to be on the open market, as well as analysis of who would be a realistic fit in Denver.

It continues today with a position where the Broncos need to add depth – running back. Javonte Williams had a great rookie season, rushing for 903 yards on 203 carries. But he split the workload evenly with Melvin Gordon, who is now a free agent. That means Williams is either going to have to carry a much heavier burden or the Broncos are going to have to bring in a replacement for Gordon. The latter seems to make the most sense if Denver wants to avoid putting too much wear and tear on their young running back.

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Top Five Available

1. Melvin Gordon – Broncos Country may be down on Gordon, but the rest of the league probably isn’t. During his two years in Denver, the running back was very effective, despite splitting time with Phillip Lindsay and Javonte Williams. This past season, he out-rushed Williams (918 to 903) on the exact same number of carries, while getting into the end zone eight times. He’s also a very good receiver out of the backfield and an above average blocker in pass protection. He’s clearly a RB1, just not in Denver.

2. Sony Michel – Michel can play. He just never gets the chance to be the feature back. In Los Angeles, he split time with Darrell Henderson. Nonetheless, he did rack up 845 yards and four touchdowns on 208 attempts. That’s a very, very productive season. Michel has flirted with the 1,000-yard mark in three of his four NFL seasons, hitting 931 and 912 in his first two years with the Patriots. So he has that kind of ability. Throw in his ability to catch the ball, evidenced by his 21 receptions in 2021, and he’s a very good all-around back.

3. Cordarelle Patterson – After four teams across eight seasons used him mostly as a wide receiver and return specialist, the Falcons had the bright idea of making Patterson their feature back in 2021. It worked like a charm. On the season, he carried the ball 153 times for 618 yards and six touchdowns. When he played, Atlanta was competitive. When he didn’t, they didn’t have a shot. That was a snapshot of what Patterson can do when utilized correctly, playing the Deebo Samuel dual role for whatever team signs him.

4. Leonard Fournette – The bruising running back seems to have found his groove during a two-year stint with the Buccaneers. This past season, he had 180 carries for 812 yards and eight touchdowns. He’s a punishing runner that can wear down defenses. In the right place, where he gets the bulk of the work, he can regain the 1,000-yard status he achieved twice in Jacksonville. But he needs to be in an offense that is willing to commit to his style of running.

5. Chase Edmonds – Both of the Cardinals main running backs are free agents, but Edmonds is a slightly more attractive option than James Conner. He’s younger and he’s a more explosive runner. At only 26, there’s a lot left in the tank for Edmonds, especially considering the fact that he’s only amassed 333 carries during his first four seasons in the league. In 2021, he had his best year, rushing for 592 yards on 116 carries. That 5.1-yard average is going to garner a lot of attention.

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Realistic Options for the Broncos

1. Raheem Mostert – Injuries have plagued Mostert throughout his career. This season, he was limited to two carries in one game with a knee injury. That’s been a pattern during his seven-year career that has featured five different stops. The running back did seem to find a home in San Francisco, however. He’s a great fit in Kyle Shanahan’s system. He’s a one-cut-and-go back, which would be a good fit in Denver as well. Playing behind Williams, perhaps he could stay healthier as a secondary option.

2. Jerick McKinnon – If the Broncos are looking for a change-of-pace back, McKinnon would fit the role. He’s be the “lightning,” while Williams could be the “thunder.” Plus, he also knows the Broncos system, having played in the West Coach offense during his time in Minnesota and San Francisco. He showed flashes last season, especially in the playoffs. During those three games with the Chiefs, he rushed for 150 yards on 34 carries, while also catching 17 passes for 165 yards. That’s great production from a No. 2 back.

3. Wayne Gallman – After four seasons with the Giants, Gallman bounced around in 2021. He played six games with the Falcons and then two with the Vikings. That second stop is the interesting one, as he was introduced to Klint Kubiak, who was then Minnesota’s offensive coordinator. Now, Kubiak is a part of Nathaniel Hackett’s staff in Denver, running the West Coast offense. There’s some familiarity there, which is good. Gallman had 682 yards rushing and six touchdowns, plus 21 receptions, in 2020 with the Giants. So he’s a threat.

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OTHER FREE AGENCY PREVIEWS

Quarterbacks – Read

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