Denver Broncos: FA running backs who would pair well with Phillip Lindsay
The Denver Broncos are ‘kicking the tires’ on free agent running backs. Which players would pair well with Phillip Lindsay?
The Denver Broncos currently have over $70 million in 2020 salary cap space, which translates to ultimate flexibility with whatever they want to do in free agency.
That’s exciting news for Broncos fans, especially because this is a team that has been out of the playoffs since they won Super Bowl 50 and just watched the Kansas City Chiefs win the Super Bowl.
Because of the Broncos’ current playoff drought and the Chiefs winning it all, there’s nothing off the table in 2020 free agency, including spending more money on a running back than most people would really prefer.
John Elway spoke earlier this offseason to the fact that the Broncos need to emphasize improving the offense in the 2020 offseason, especially surrounding young quarterback Drew Lock with as much talent as possible.
In NFL economics, spending a great deal of cash on the running back position is just not a wise move for a team, but that doesn’t mean it never works out for anyone.
The Baltimore Ravens rode free agent acquisition Mark Ingram as their featured back last year. Frank Gore, whose mileage is up there among the most in NFL history, was a tremendous free agent pickup for the Buffalo Bills last offseason.
Latavius Murray ended up playing a major role with the New Orleans Saints with Alvin Kamara struggling with injuries in 2019.
Tevin Coleman was also a huge addition for the NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers.
Signing free agent running backs is not always a bad idea, but the price has to be right and the situation has to be right. Le’Veon Bell, after a year away from football, signed a massive four-year, $52 million contract to be the centerpiece of the New York Jets’ offense, and he had 1,250 yards from scrimmage and four total touchdowns, the worst numbers in his career when he played more than six games.
There is risk involved in signing free agent running backs, especially guys who have a lot of wear and tear on their bodies already.
But along with the risk comes the possible reward. The reward for the Broncos would be potentially pairing up Phillip Lindsay with a true featured back, and through two seasons in the NFL, former third-rounder Royce Freeman has not quite become that.
The Broncos may not have time to wait anymore for Freeman to break through. According to Mike Klis, John Elway and company might be sniffing around this year’s free agent running back class.
Like I said before, nothing We’ve taken a look at the free agent running back class beforeis off the table for the Broncos in free agency this offseason., but let’s examine how these guys could all fit in as perfect complements to Phillip Lindsay, specifically.