Position by position wish list for Denver Broncos in Free Agency

Running Backs

Miles Sanders

The running back from the NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles, Miles Sanders finds himself in a market that might see him landing with a new team in free agency. Sanders has been a good back but also has hardly any tread on his tires. This is in large part due to the Eagles finally choosing to up his carries in what could be his final season with the team. 

Sanders had over 250 carries for the first time in his career and 1,000+ yards rushing. Also, unlike in previous years Sanders was not a pivotal factor in the receiving game. He only tallied less than 100 yards, but this should not preclude any team like Denver from inquiring about his services. He is more than qualified to be a multi-faceted back between the tackles and as a safety net for Russell Wilson in the passing game. 

Latavius Murray

There’s a fair argument to be made that the team’s best offensive player was Latavius Murray in 2022. The obvious and right choice is Jerry Jeudy; however given the circumstances, Murray provided a huge spark to the running game since joining the Denver Broncos team in London. Every time the team needed a big run, Murray gave it to them especially with Javonte Williams sustaining his season-ending injury last year. 

The other reason of course is Murray’s attachment to Sean Payton. No, we’re not talking about the random appearance during Radio Row before the Super Bowl. Murray spent his time in New Orleans during 2019, 2020, and the beginning of the 2022 season. In both 2019 and 2020, he had roughly the same yardage but a consistent 600+ yards rushing with four to five touchdowns. 

Lastly, Murray became an intricate part of the Broncos' locker room. In that short period, Murray asserted himself as a team leader and vocal leader. For a team who struggled to find any sort of consistency, Murray became that constant voice and player for Denver. He’s a must re-sign.

David Montgomery 

The recent hire of Lou Ayeni as running backs coach will add intrigue for the running backs class in free agency. Ayeni spent time at Northwestern, Toledo, and Iowa State to help coach the running backs. He also was part of the Bill Walsh internship with both Atlanta and Chicago. There’s at least some experience in NFL, but not yet as a full-time coach in NFL. 

It just so happens that both Kareem Hunt and David Montgomery are free agents in 2023. Hunt was the running back while Ayeni was at Toledo and Montgomery was the running back while Ayeni was at Iowa State. Montgomery performed at a solid level but could never have firm footing long-term in Chicago to be the bell cow for the foreseeable future. Montgomery has 200+ carries every single year as a Bear. With the recent addition of Khalil Herbert as a Bear and his emergence there, it makes sense to let Montgomery walk. 

There is still a little bit of a concern because of all that usage in Chicago. It also begs the question if Denver Broncos will play a major factor in the running back market in the draft as well.