Denver Broncos: Players team may consider trading before season starts
Royce Freeman
I have pitched the idea of trading Royce Freeman before. The Broncos should absolutely consider this after signing Melvin Gordon this offseason.
The Broncos leaned on Freeman just as much as Phillip Lindsay last season and he chipped in as a receiver by making 43 receptions. But in two seasons, he has only averaged about 500 yards rushing each season.
The offense just goes better when Lindsay is in the backfield. Regardless of his size or his draft status in comparison to Freeman, he has just been the better player.
In Gordon, the Broncos get a former first-round pick who many believe is still one of the best overall backs in the league. Though Gordon only signed a two-year deal with the team, he could easily work that into a long-term contract.
So where does that leave Freeman? It leaves him as a guy who will see a few offensive snaps each game or a guy who the team can fall back on if there is an injury. While that can be a valuable asset, you don’t want to bank on an injury happening. Besides, both Lindsay and Gordon can shoulder a full load for a game or two should that happen.
Freeman is just 24 years old and has averaged 131 carries in his first two seasons in the league. That means there is plenty of tread left on his tires and a running back starved team should absolutely give the Broncos a call. Should that call come in, the Broncos should be all ears.