Denver Broncos: 5 most difficult roster decisions before 2021 season

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Sep 14, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos running back Royce Freeman (28) before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Royce Freeman, running back

When the Broncos brought in Melvin Gordon last year, Royce Freeman was all but phased out of the offense. With the offseason additions of Mike Boone and Javonte Williams, he clearly appears to be the odd man out.

Because Freeman was once a third-round pick and is still just 25 years old, there could be teams around the league that see some value in him so the Broncos should explore that option. If not, he appears to be the No. 4 option in Denver at best.

The Broncos moved on from Phillip Lindsay this offseason and signed Boone, a player George Paton was familiar with from his time with the Minnesota Vikings. They then used a second-round pick (which they traded up for) to select Williams.

The Broncos seem to have a clear vision for their running game and Freeman is not part of it. It would be tough to part with a young player that you used a high draft pick on just a few years ago, but if he’s not in your plans, get what you can for him.

The return on a potential trade would likely not be much, but it would be better than just cutting him at the end of the preseason and getting nothing back.

What the Broncos decide to do with Freeman will be one of the more interesting storylines this summer.

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