Jamaal Charles, Adrian Peterson could help Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos had one of the league’s worst running games in 2016. Jamaal Charles or Adrian Peterson could potentially be of help…

NFL Free Agency doesn’t officially kick off until March 9th, but teams are making moves already and some interesting ones, at that. The Kansas City Chiefs released running back Jamaal Charles shortly after it was announced that they had re-signed star safety Eric Berry to a monster contract.

The Minnesota Vikings also declined an $18 million team option on running back Adrian Peterson, meaning both players will be available for teams to sign.

Both Charles and Peterson have struggled with injuries, which has contributed to their getting released at this point. Charles is 30, and Peterson is 31. Both players are getting ‘old’ in running back terms, and their bodies have started wearing down, but at least on paper, they could be interesting additions to any team they wind up going with.

The Denver Broncos aren’t necessarily desperate for help at running back — there are a number of players that received snaps this past season that will be factoring in the rotation again in 2017 — but the running game needs a jolt in general.

This year’s draft crop seems like the place to find upgrades, fresh legs, and someone who can come in and give the running game the boost it needs, but John Elway won’t be quick to dismiss the impact a veteran back can have.

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With Mike McCoy calling plays, Willis McGahee enjoyed some of the more prosperous years of his NFL career in Denver back in 2011-2012. In fact, in his age 30 season, McGahee ran for over 1,100 yards and earned a Pro Bowl recognition.

McGahee wasn’t exactly a model of consistency in terms of his health before he arrived in Denver, so if the price is right, bringing one of these two players in could be of benefit to the Broncos. The team obviously has a young back in Devontae Booker that showed some promise last year, and what they hope to be a featured back in C.J. Anderson.

Anderson is also coming off of injury and the Broncos shouldn’t be averse to strong competition at the RB position. Also, the majority of Anderson’s guaranteed money on a four-year contract was given last year, so the Broncos are only looking at a $3 million cap hit coming from Anderson this year.

With the offense in a state of transition, they could potentially afford to add a veteran back at the right price and see if someone like Charles or Peterson could help in the late portion of their careers.