Broncos’ GM Paton wants Gordon back, no option decision yet on Fant

There was no real quarterback update from Broncos’ general manager George Paton on Tuesday, but there was roster news.

Speaking at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Paton did a rapid fire press conference with the media in attendance, taking a variety of questions.

While Paton noted QB Drew Lock is “under contract” and the team is exploring options “at the most important position in sports,” there was no Aaron Rodgers bombshell.

But there were two big pieces of news that should interest Broncos Country.

First, Paton wants free agent running back Melvin Gordon to return.

“I’ve had really good discussions with Melvin. We would like to have him back. We still think he’s a really good back. I think you need two or three runners in this league, they’re going to get nicked. It’s a tough position,” Paton said.

The latter part of that answer is particularly interesting, as running back Javonte Williams had a monster rookie year. But even if Williams is the starter moving forward, Paton thinks the two running backs can continue to work together.

“Javonte, we think he’s ready to do whatever, full workload (or) share carries. I think Melvin and Javonte really complimented each other well, they helped each other. Melvin was a total pro with Javonte and I know Javonte appreciated the relationship,” Paton said.

While Paton was all-in on bringing Gordon back, he was not ready to announce a decision on the future of tight end Noah Fant beyond the 2022 season.

When asked if the team will pick up Fant’s fifth-year option on his rookie deal, Paton was non-committal.

“We haven’t (made a decision),” Paton said. “We got so many other things ahead of us, we have a little time with that,” Paton said.

Fant just wrapped up his third season in the NFL after being a first-round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft. The Broncos have until May 2 to make a decision on the option.

Paton did add Fant’s “a really talented player” that the team wants in Denver a “long time.”

But the man in charge of the Broncos’ roster did say the team needs better run blocking out if its tight ends, an area Fant has struggled in.

“I like our tight end group, (but) they need to get better in the run game. They know that, but (they’re) really talented in the pass game,” Paton said.

While QB remains the position everyone is rightfully most curious about, Paton did provide other updates on Tuesday. It looks like good news for Melvin Gordon getting paid, with Noah Fant’s long-term future still firmly TBD.

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