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Who could the Denver Broncos sign as a backup running back in 2022?

By Lou Scataglia

Denver Broncos; Houston Texans running back Phillip Lindsay (30) runs with the ball en route to a touchdown during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos; Houston Texans running back Phillip Lindsay (30) runs with the ball en route to a touchdown during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Denver Broncos offseason: Tarik Cohen #29 of the Chicago Bears runs for a first down during the third quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 13, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

The Denver Broncos might not have a viable backup running back option on the roster. Who in free agency could they consider to fill this position?

The Denver Broncos might have a small need for a quality backup running back to take some of the load off of Javonte Williams.

Williams was solid in 2021, making a ton of highlight-reel plays and rushing for over 900 yards, splitting carries with Melvin Gordon.

Javonte Williams is set to take over the load in 2022, even if the team were to re-sign Gordon.  It’s clear that Williams has a bright future in this league, and the Denver Broncos should begin to see him flourish next season.

However, even the best running backs in the NFL have someone behind them who can take the load off.

This isn’t to say someone like Derrick Henry wouldn’t love to have every carry in the game–I’m sure he would, but it isn’t a viable option durability-wise.

More teams are using a committee backfield approach, even if they have a top-flight rusher.

Oftentimes, the backup is a nice change of pace from the primary runner.

The Colts’ Jonathan Taylor had Nyheim Hines playing behind him as the primary backup, who is more of a shifty, receiving back.

I think Javonte Williams is more of an old-school runner.  He excels at breaking tackles, and isn’t the fastest, but is someone who teams should not want to tackle by the fourth quarter.

Sure, not every backup running back needs to be a perfect compliment, they just need to be competent.

I do not think the Denver Broncos should waste one of their top draft picks on a running back, so I want to look at a few in-league options for them to consider as the RB2 heading into the 2022 season.

Denver Broncos RB2 options for 2022

1. Tarik Cohen

Perhaps a forgotten player in the NFL, Tarik Cohen was once a first-team All-Pro player back in 2018.  Drafted in 2017 by the Chicago Bears, Cohen is definitely a do-it-all back.

He’s got 1,101 career rushing yards, 1,575 receiving yards, 985 punt return yards, and 628 kick return yards.

Not only could he be a viable RB2 behind Williams, but he’s also someone who could handle kick and put return duties since the team needs to fill that role.

Cohen also wouldn’t be pressured to produce a ton either, since the Broncos offense is already loaded, but rather help take the load off of Javonte Williams every so often and perhaps handle the kick and punt returns.

Cohen has 4.4 speed, so he’s a threat to simply outrun people as well.

Cohen might actually be the perfect fit in Denver’s offense.  He’s proven he can handle both kick and punt return duties and could slide in and fill a small need at the RB2 position.

This would allow Denver to not have to waste draft capital on taking a running back.  Plus, Cohen is still just 26, so I think questions about durability or aging out of his prime can wait a few years.

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