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According to 9NEWS Denver’s Mike Klis, the Denver Broncos are “kicking the tires” on the running back free agent market.
Hearing Broncos kicking tires on possible free-agent RBs. Even starter types who could pair w/Phillip Lindsay. Some top RBs who might be available:
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) March 2, 2020
Derrick Henry (likely tag), Kenyan Drake, Melvin Gordon, Jordan Howard. Makes sense to upgrade running game for Drew Lock. #9sports
As I wrote earlier this offseason, the Broncos running back situation could and should be improved on this offseason. Phillip Lindsay has been solid, but is coming off two wrist surgeries and is in the final year of his rookie deal. Behind him, you have Royce Freeman who has been a major disappointment since being the Broncos third-round selection a few years back and the team is clearly looking to find an upgrade over him this offseason.
They met with a handful of backs during this past weekend’s NFL Scouting Combine and are now reportedly “kicking the tires” on the free agent backs as well. So I would expect the Broncos to either spend a premium pick on a running back during the 2020 NFL Draft or sign a veteran running mate to pair with Phillip Lindsay.
Some of the free agent names to watch include the Titans running back Derrick Henry, Chargers running back Melvin Gordon, and Cardinals running back Kenyan Drake.
Personally, Henry would be my top choice no matter the price. He would change the Broncos entire offense and give them one of the top rushing attacks in the league. This would greatly help quarterback Drew Lock who will be starting his first full season in the NFL. Melvin Gordon knows the division and honestly, I feel like this one is the most likely of the three listed. He’s a power back with some speed who can also help out in the passing game. He will be much cheaper than Henry as well so it makes a lot of sense to me. Finally, Kenyan Drake reinvented his career during his short stint with the Cardinals and would give the Broncos another explosive back in their secondary. Personally, I think he will return to Arizona and in the offense that helped him have a breakout season in the second-half of the 2019 season.
I know this will not be the most popular of moves, but it makes sense in the short term. They have plenty of cap to spend and want to really improve on their offense in 2020. Adding as many weapons as possible around Lock should be a priority. A strong rushing attack to lean on would take a bunch of pressure off Lock’s shoulders and allow him to work that deep ball off play-action to hopefully Henry Ruggs III.
What do you think Broncos Country? Are you a fan of the Broncos signing a free agent back this offseason?