The Denver Broncos showed progress in several important aspects compared to their struggling 2023 season. However, their running game remained a weak spot, as Javonte Williams and the other running backs were unable to make a significant impact.
In 2024, the Broncos averaged 4.1 yards per carry, a slight improvement from 4.0 in 2023, but still ranked 21st in both years.
ESPN’s Benjamin Solak forecasts that the Broncos will sign a new starting running back during free agency.
“Denver will start to elevate their offense at running back, where their rotation has been lacking a reliable grinder who can handle 15-plus touches per game,” Solak wrote on January 12. “Aaron Jones, should he become available, is an ideal fit on a front-loaded three-year deal. If Jones stays in Minnesota, the Broncos could try to pry Rico Dowdle out of Dallas.”
Dowdle and Jones are at vastly different points in their careers, which will play a significant role in their prospects if they enter free agency.
Dowdle, 26, rushed for 1,079 yards and 2 touchdowns on 239 carries in his first full season as the Cowboys’ starting running back. He also caught 39 passes for 249 yards and another 3 scores while playing half of the season without starting quarterback Dak Prescott.
A former undrafted free agent, Dowdle is coming off a one-year, $1.2 million contract.
The Cowboys fired head coach Mike McCarthy, and Prescott is coming off a season-ending hamstring injury, creating uncertainty around the entire roster.
Jones, 30, rushed for a career-high 1,138 yards with 5 TDs on 255 carries for the Vikings in the regular season. He had 408 yards and 2 scores more on 51 receptions. He led the league in rushing touchdowns in 2019 and was a Pro Bowler in 2020.
The former Green Bay Packers star signed a one-year, $7 million pact in free agency in 2024.
The Vikings’ future is more uncertain than ever. Starting quarterback – and pending free agent – Sam Darnold struggled in the NFC Wild Card against the Los Angeles Rams.
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