The Denver Broncos need assistance at working again, and whereas it isn’t a fantastic group in free company, there are some choices. The Broncos want somebody who can contribute in all phases, particularly with how Sean Payton loves to include working backs in his passing recreation, and with Javonte Williams probably allowed to stroll, that equates to 52 catches and 346 receiving yards strolling out the door. 

CBS Sports activities‘ Garrett Podell ranked Williams sixth amongst free-agent working backs, estimating a contract of $5.5 million to $8.3 million yearly — way over the Broncos ought to be keen to offer their former second-round decide to re-sign. Podell listed the Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Rams, Las Vegas Raiders, and Cleveland Browns as Williams’ greatest match. 

Nonetheless, Podell ranked former Dallas Cowboys working again Rico Dowdle as the highest working again within the free-agent class, tapping the Broncos as considered one of 5 groups he’d match with. 

“Dowdle’s 2024 season confirmed he is usually a group’s reliable, every-down again. He grew to become the primary working again in Cowboys historical past to hurry for over 1,000 yards on the energy of being one of many NFL’s most effective rushers. His 53.6% speeding success fee on 235 carries was the sixth-best within the NFL in 2024,” Podell wrote. “Given his age and decrease profession quantity, Dowdle has the potential to supply essentially the most prime years of any working again on the open market this 12 months. He is a violent, downhill runner whose imaginative and prescient and pass-catching means proceed to enhance with extra reps.”

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There is a concern over Dowdle solely having 100 touches earlier than the 2024 season, however it’s additionally a optimistic. Meaning there aren’t many miles on his tires, and there ought to be loads of tread left, however is he a one-year surprise? 

Final season, Dowdle gained over 1,000 speeding yards at 4.6 yards per try and added 39 catches for 249 yards, exhibiting the potential to exchange Williams as a receiver whereas upgrading Denver’s speeding means. Nonetheless, what stands out is that Dowdle’s “53.6% speeding success fee on 235 carries was the sixth-best within the NFL in 2024,” as Podell wrote. The Broncos may use that sort of success from their working recreation. 

Dowdle’s contract estimate ranges from $3.8 million to $8.5 million per 12 months. It makes extra sense to offer Dowdle an even bigger deal as a result of he doesn’t have the numerous damage historical past that Williams does, although Dowdle is older. 

It wouldn’t be shocking to see the Broncos concerned within the Dowdle sweepstakes when free company begins. The Broncos have been in on Josh Jacobs final season, however he purportedly spurned them to be with a aggressive group. Jacobs underestimated the Broncos, clearly, however nonetheless landed in a great spot in Inexperienced Bay.

Payton has needed to improve the working again room considerably since arriving in Denver, and Dowdle is an choice. If the Broncos are concerned, they’re going to probably have competitors, and CBS Sports activities lists 4 different matches, which may make for a troublesome market. 

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