5 free agent running backs the Denver Broncos could target
Believe it or not, one of the top needs for the Denver Broncos in the 2023 offseason will be at the running back position. It's pretty easily written off by folks who feel like the team is going to be just fine with some combination of Javonte Williams, Latavius Murray, and a late draft pick, but I don't think that could be any further from the truth. The Broncos may re-sign Latavius Murray in the coming weeks, but what they get out of Javonte Williams in 2023 -- coming off of a major knee injury -- is another question mark entirely.
Chase Edmonds is under contract, but the team will either need to release or restructure him to get it to a more palatable number. Tyler Badie will be around for the offseason program and is a reasonably exciting dart throw, but the Broncos' brain trust includes two guys who have long prioritized the RB position in GM George Paton and HC Sean Payton.
Given the fact that the Broncos should be approaching Javonte Williams with the utmost patience, it's almost too good to be true thinking about this year's free agent crop of running backs and the Broncos' current situation. They may not break the bank for someone, but I think this team will be players in this particular market. Let's look at some potential fits.
5 running backs the Denver Broncos could pursue in 2023 NFL Free Agency
1. Kareem Hunt, Browns
Some people will hate this idea because of Kareem Hunt's past, and I can't blame you for that. I also don't think this option can be ignored as a possibility, either. There were rumors last offseason that Hunt was trying to get traded away from the Cleveland Browns thanks to their commitment to Nick Chubb, and you can't really blame him for wanting that in a contract year. Hunt played in all 17 games but only managed to average 3.8 yards per carry.
He still caught 35 passes and had four total touchdowns, but it was clear that Hunt was the secondary guy this past season and Chubb did the majority of the heavy lifting for the Browns. Hunt will undoubtedly move on from Cleveland this offseason, and who knows? Maybe he returns to the AFC West.
On the field, what Hunt has always done well is provide value on all three downs as well as run hard and break tackles. The 2022 season was not his best, in that regard, but given the price to sign Hunt is not likely to be prohibitive, he could end up being a pretty good bang for your buck as far as free agency goes.