Broncos: Free agent RBs to consider if Phillip Lindsay is let go

4. Jerick McKinnon, 49ers (age: 28, 29 in May)

If the Denver Broncos are moving on from Phillip Lindsay, it stands to reason they will be doing so in favor of a back that excels at catching passes.

Jerick McKinnon certainly fits that description.

A former draft selection of the Minnesota Vikings, McKinnon would certainly be a familiar face for Broncos GM George Paton.

In fact, he would also be a familiar face for offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, who used McKinnon a ton in the 2017 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In fact, in 2017, McKinnon had a personal-best 51 receptions and 991 yards from scrimmage with Shurmur calling the shots.

Injuries basically wiped out 2018 and 2019 completely for McKinnon after he signed with the San Francisco 49ers in free agency, but he played all 16 games in 2020 and bounced back. He could offer a strong receiver yet again in 2021 free agency.

Health would obviously have to be taken into account here, but there is no doubt that given his history in Minnesota with Paton and Shurmur, McKinnon could be a possibility for the Broncos as a backup to Melvin Gordon.