5 free agent running backs the Denver Broncos could target

2. Alexander Mattison, Vikings

It's not a bad idea to look to guys at the running back position in NFL Free Agency who didn't get a lot of carries at their previous destination because they were playing behind a bell cow. That was the case for Alexander Mattison with the Minnesota Vikings, where he was unfortunately playing behind Dalvin Cook, one of the best backs in the league.

Mattison was a third-round pick out of Boise State in the 2019 NFL Draft and he wound up playing a pretty effective RB2 role for them over the last four years, averaging about 100 carries per season at 4.1 yards per attempt and 14 total touchdowns. He showed his value on all three downs, and given the fact he doesn't even have 500 touches over the last four years?

Well, NFL teams might see that he's ready to really break out on a second contract. Why would the Denver Broncos have interest here? Well, it stands to reason that Broncos GM George Paton, who was with the Vikings front office in 2019, would perhaps still like Alexander Mattison and his upside. At worst, he looks like he'll be a strong RB2 for you. At best, maybe you get a guy who proves he can do a lot more with more carries and more of a workload.

Signing a player like Mattison to a two-year deal could be exactly what the Broncos need at the position, and I don't think this player is going to break the bank, by any means.