Dec 2, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Shonn Greene (23) runs past Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Paris Lenon (51) during the game at Metlife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Munson/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports
…and so the whispering rumors begin! I for one can attest to the curiosity as far as who the Denver Broncos will be scoping at as the free agency period is starting to appear on the horizon. Indeed, the bulk of the additions that will be made to the Broncos will more than likely be done during free agency; especially since the team has the 28th spot in round one of the NFL Draft this year. However, any fan out there certainly knows that could change a few times before April 25th 2013 as the Broncos and other teams could wheel-and-deal for a closer spot. For now, the focus is on free agency.
I have had a lot of speculation in the past with who the Broncos should pick, but now it is a growing possibility that the franchise could be looking to charm New York Jets RB, Shonn Greene into an orange jersey. The RB position on the Broncos was weakened dramatically with the loss of their main ground target, RB Willis McGahee, putting Knowshon Moreno in place after McGahee was injured during the home game against the San Diego Chargers in Week 11.
According to CBS Sports, John Elway indicated recently that McGahee will return in 2013, however it all remains to be said depending on the recovery from his knee injury that kept him benched after Week 11. “We’re going through that process right now,” Elway said. “Willis is under contract, so we’re thrilled that he’ll be back. We’ll see how he comes off that knee. He’s been a tremendous asset for us the last two years that he’s been there. We’re still going through that evaluation process and we’ll see how he comes off the knee.” A valuable asset indeed.
It was 2011 when Willis McGahee played a full year healthy. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry, 1,199 yards, and 4 touchdowns under then Broncos QB Tim Tebow. Up until he was injured in Week 11 in 2012, McGahee averaged 4.4 yards per carry, 731 total yards and 4 touchdowns respectively. Do I think they will replace him? I have confidence that McGahee will return to the roster in 2013, especially since he has the whole off season to concentrate on his recovery and work out, even if it is limited.
Though it cannot be said on what the Broncos will do with their RB position, Shonn Greene would definitely be a good pick up if they decide to make some changes to replace Moreno and/or McGahee. In 2012, Moreno averaged 3.8 yards per carry, 525 total yards, and landed 4 touchdowns under the leadership of Peyton Manning. Greene averaged 3.9 yards per carry, 1,063 yards, and 8 touchdowns (according to NFL.com). More impressively for Greene was this was done with the frazzle of the Jets QB issues last year. What could his potential be if he had a strong, solid QB like Peyton Manning to make the most of the ground movement?
The Jets are closing the book on the Shonn Greene era, and he will definitely be in another uniform in 2013. Greene is rumored to meet with the Denver Broncos in March, in addition to entertaining an interest from the Atlanta Falcons. Keep an eye out, Bronco Country, it’s going to get more interesting as time edges closer!
Make sure to follow Predominantly Orange on Facebook and on Twitter