What did the Broncos offer for running backs at the trade deadline? | James Palmer

The Broncos added linebacker Daiyan Henley—but their pursuit of a running back ended without a deal. James Palmer joins Zach Bye and Phillip Lindsay on The Drive to explain what happened behind the scenes and why Denver’s quiet offensive deadline wasn’t necessarily a case of standing still.

Palmer says the Broncos made an aggressive offer for Tony Pollard, exceeding what other executives around the league believed his trade value to be. But Tennessee placed a premium on Pollard’s locker-room leadership and his role in supporting Cam Ward’s development. Palmer also explains why Jonathan Taylor’s asking price was more than Denver—and other interested teams—were willing to pay. The exact package Denver offered for Pollard is not confirmed in this conversation.

Then the guys examine what the Broncos did accomplish: acquiring Henley from the division-rival Chargers. Palmer breaks down how his ability to cover, blitz and play in space could give Vance Joseph more flexibility while helping a defense whose linebackers have carried a heavy workload.

The move could also give Denver an opportunity to evaluate Henley for a longer-term role. But with no new running back arriving, the biggest offensive questions remain. Was this a sensible deadline given the available deals, or does the unchanged backfield leave too much riding on the players already in place?

Broncos Country, how do you grade Denver’s deadline—and does hearing about the Pollard offer change your opinion of what the Broncos did? Share your take on the Henley addition and the running back situation in the comments, like the video and subscribe for more coverage from The Drive with Zach Bye and Phillip Lindsay.