The first year of the George Paton era for the Denver Broncos has certainly brought about plenty of change. The Broncos’ roster has been overhauled in many ways, and in the process, a number of players both beloved and slightly obscure have made their way to new NFL franchises for the 2021 season and beyond.
Time will tell how much the Denver Broncos end up missing some of these guys, but heading into training camp, it doesn’t appear as though any one area of the team is exactly “depleted” when it comes to depth or starting-caliber talent.
Some tough decisions were made on both sides of the ball with former high draft picks, fan favorites, recent free agent signings, and some big-time busts for the Broncos who have found a shot at redemption elsewhere.
Denver Broncos free agents who signed elsewhere in 2021
1. Phillip Lindsay, RB – Houston Texans
The biggest name to leave the Denver Broncos in 2021 was easily the Colorado Kid himself, Phillip Lindsay. It really feels like it was just yesterday that Lindsay was wearing jersey no. 2 and trying to scrape his way onto the 53-man roster with a strong training camp and preseason.
After becoming the first rookie free agent to make the Pro Bowl at any non-specialist position in 2018, Lindsay’s play and usage slowly declined.
His role with the Denver Broncos in 2020 under offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur was equally frustrating for both Lindsay and the Broncos, and even after giving him a low restricted free agent tender to open free agency, the Broncos and Lindsay agreed to part ways after the team signed free agent Mike Boone from the Minnesota Vikings.
Not long after that, Lindsay signed a one-year deal with the Houston Texans where he will compete for snaps with veterans David Johnson and Mark Ingram.
It would not be a shock to see Lindsay seize RB1 duties in Houston but it looks like that group will be a committee, for sure. Houston also added veteran Rex Burkhead to the mix, so Lindsay’s involvement in the passing game will be crucial.