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Denver Broncos: What’s Phillip Lindsay’s long-term future with the team?

By Graham Tiedtke

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 11: Phillip Lindsay #2 of the Denver Broncos runs the ball during a game against the Minnesota Vikings during week one of the preseason at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 11, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. The Vikings defeated the Broncos 42-28. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 11: Phillip Lindsay #2 of the Denver Broncos runs the ball during a game against the Minnesota Vikings during week one of the preseason at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 11, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. The Vikings defeated the Broncos 42-28. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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The Denver Broncos have a decision to make on 2018 undrafted free agent running back Phillip Lindsay following this year.

Running back Phillip Lindsay has come a long way for the Denver Broncos in just two years.

He had a very successful first two seasons after he was signed as an undrafted free agent and wearing No. 2 as his jersey number in 2018. He was signed on the cheap to a three-year deal due to his undrafted status.

Following the 2020 season, Lindsay will become a restricted free agent. There is no doubt that he will be a member of the Broncos past this year.

The question is, how much longer will he be with the Broncos? 

There are several factors that can play into his future with the team.

Durability

Is Lindsay going to be able to stay healthy for the majority of the rest of his career? At 5’8”, 190 pounds, there are concerns that he will eventually wear down. So giving him a long-term deal may be risky in that regard.

He already has had surgery on an injured wrist, which prevented him from playing in the Pro Bowl. It would suck to see him suffer an even worse injury.

Fit in Pat Shurmur’s offense

The Broncos signed Melvin Gordon from the Chargers this offseason and will look to split carries between the two backs. That would benefit Lindsay in the sense of his durability. But what if there are other free agent running backs the team would like to sign? What if there are ones in future NFL Drafts?

That also depends on what offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur wants in his runners. Shurmur likes backs who can catch the football, as Saquon Barkley’s usage in the Giants passing game shows (194 targets, 143 receptions, 1,159 yards and six touchdowns over the last two years).

Lindsay has caught 70-of-95 targets for 437 yards and a touchdown in his two seasons with the Broncos, so he is absolutely reliable in the passing game. It will also help to have Drew Lock being the consistent starter at quarterback.

Better options

The 2021 free agency class is absolutely stacked with running backs. While many of them are likely going to re-sign with their current teams or be out of the Broncos price range, here are some of the stars set to hit the open market next year:

  • Derrick Henry
  • Kenyan Drake
  • Leonard Fournette
  • Todd Gurley
  • Tevin Coleman
  • James White
  • Matt Breida
  • Dalvin Cook
  • Samaje Perine

Man, that free agency class is loaded!

There are also draft possibilities in the near future. While I don’t necessarily like the idea of drafting a running back early, there are some stud runners heading to the NFL in 2021.

  • Travis Etienne, Clemson
  • Kenny Gainwell, Memphis
  • Chuba Hubbard, Oklahoma State
  • Kylin Hill, Mississippi State

Next. Denver Broncos: 3 players the team can not afford to opt out of 2020. dark

Final thoughts

It will be interesting to see what direction the Broncos go with Lindsay. The team definitely has options.

Lindsay has been a fan favorite of Broncos fans after making history as the first undrafted free agent to make the Pro Bowl. He has a lot to give to the Broncos and hopefully, he will be able to stay on the field for as long as he is a member of the Broncos.

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