Who knew that the last time Phillip Lindsay took the field for the Denver Broncos that it would be the last time?
Although Lindsay’s impending free agency following the 2020 season was well-known, it seemed like a major stretch to think that the Denver Broncos would not offer him at least a second-round restricted free agent tender given what he has done for the team since 2018.
What, exactly, has he done for the team in that time?
Well, he has rushed for 2,550 yards, racked up over 3,000 yards from scrimmage, run for 17 touchdowns, caught another, and has fumbled zero times in 611 career touches.
Lindsay was also the first undrafted rookie running back to make the Pro Bowl in league history.
Although his effectiveness diminished over three seasons and his availability dropped substantially in 2020 (Lindsay played in just 11 games), there is no question about the fact that Lindsay meant a ton to the Denver Broncos on and off the field.
It doesn’t seem that the front office and coaching staff felt his presence was non-negotiable, however.
The Broncos brought in Melvin Gordon in the 2020 offseason which drew the ire of many fans in Broncos Country. Who knows what the Broncos had seen on tape with Lindsay, or what their conversations with him behind closed doors were like.
What’s for certain is that the Broncos did not view the Colorado Kid in their long-term plans.
Lindsay, who came into the league with a big chip on his shoulder anyway, could have a rejuvenated fire in him after he and the Broncos agreed to part ways, the Broncos rescinding his low RFA tender officially on Thursday morning.
So what team could be the best fit for Phillip Lindsay now that his time with the Denver Broncos is over?
Let’s take a look at the top three options.
1. San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers have let veterans Tevin Coleman and Jerick McKinnon hit restricted free agency, but they weren’t the team’s top backs last season anyway.
Jeff Wilson and Raheem Mostert paved the way for the 49ers, combining for more than 1,400 yards from scrimmage and 13 total touchdowns.
The Shanahan way of extracting the most out of unheralded running backs is alive and well, isn’t it?
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and Phillip Lindsay have something in common with a potential bone to pick with the Denver Broncos, as does 49ers quarterbacks coach Rich Scangarello.
Regardless of which version of it he goes to, I think the best offensive situation for Phillip Lindsay to land in is undoubtedly the Shanahan/Kubiak style of offense which there are versions of all around the NFL.
What, in particular, makes the 49ers a good fit?
Well, Lindsay has proven a lot more in the NFL even in just three seasons than either Jeff Wilson or Raheem Mostert. He would have at least a pretty clear path to playing time in San Francisco, and the 49ers have gone to work this offseason reloading their offensive line.
Can you imagine Lindsay running off tackle behind Trent Williams and George Kittle, two of the best in the business at their craft?
If Lindsay is looking for a prime situation to be showcased, there may not be a better option than the 49ers.
2. New York Jets
Phillip Lindsay got to the Denver Broncos at just the right time in 2018.
The Broncos had fellow 2018 rookie Royce Freeman penciled in as RB1 that year, but Lindsay struck when the opportunity was given to him to do so, and it turned out to be a perfect series of events that led to him getting as much playing time and as many touches as he did.
Looking for a similar situation elsewhere around the league in 2021, the New York Jets could be an option for Lindsay.
The Jets hired a new head coach in Robert Saleh from the Kyle Shanahan tree. Although Saleh’s roots are more “Seattle defense” than “Shanahan offense” the offense that was run in San Francisco is coming to the Big Apple, or at least a version of it.
Matt LaFleur’s brother Mike is going to be running the offense in New York and that is an obvious fit for Lindsay.
In addition to scheme fit, Lindsay should have no problem beating out La’Mical Perine who was unable to beat out Frank Gore for substantial carries last season.
Lindsay could easily pencil in as RB1 for the Jets in 2021 in a scheme he would be able to excel in.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Heading back to the NFC West and a team that has undoubtedly been active in the 2021 offseason, Phillip Lindsay could be an intriguing fit for the Arizona Cardinals.
Lindsay would certainly have an advocate in Arizona defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, a former Colorado Buffalo himself and the head coach of the Denver Broncos in 2018 when the Broncos signed Lindsay originally as an undrafted player.
The Cardinals have been assembling their own Murderer’s Row of a roster over the last couple of offseasons, already signing JJ Watt and AJ Green in 2021, bringing in All-Pro center Rodney Hudson, and even signing former Broncos kicker Matt Prater to a free agent deal.
Arizona is losing Kenyan Drake to free agency (he literally signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as I typed this sentence) and their top returning back is Chase Edmonds, who carried the ball a total of 97 times last season.
Edmonds is a very capable back to have in tandem with Lindsay and excels at catching passes. Lindsay could be a primary ball-carrier for the Cardinals but he would certainly have to improve as a receiver in order to excel in this pass-happy offensive attack.
Broncos free agency: 5 more CB options after Ronald Darby signing
The Denver Broncos might not be done pursuing free agent cornerbacks after the signing of Ronald Darby. Who could they be looking at?
Still, as a Kenyan Drake replacement, Lindsay could make a lot of sense in the desert.