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A shaky Denver Broncos running back got even more rickety this offseason with Javonte Williams departing for the Lone Star State, and Broncos Country is understandably pining for a solution to their ground game woes.
Those fans will have to remain patient, though. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport on KOA Sports this week, it sounds like Denver's front office is going to be forced to wait out the veteran market until they see how this year's RB-rich NFL Draft pans out.
"If you're a running back right now. . . the money is not really increasing," Rapoport said. "Let's say you're the Broncos. Let's say you need a running back. Well, okay, you can get one in the second or third round, historically, who will come in and make an impact or has a chance to come in and make a really really big impact. Or, I would say there are likely two running backs in the first round -- okay, well you could take one of those and maybe you sort of get a game-breaker, right? So the problem is if you don't get swept up early in free agency. If you hold out and you want more money, sometimes the money isn't there. That's sort of the decision you face. If you're J.K. Dobbins, and you've got an offer for, let's just say, $3 to $4 million, do you take it right now or do you want to wait until after the draft and maybe a team that thought they wanted to get a running back, and maybe that price increases."
On one hand, this stalemate could serve the Broncos as they look to overhaul their running back room. With so much talent at the position, running back could be home to the best player available more than once when Denver is on the clock this year. Signing a veteran could dissuade them from doubling down on the position, but if they're prevented from adding a back until after the draft, they'll be free to make a larger investment in an extremely promising crop of young talent.
However, waiting is also scary, considering how badly Denver needs help at the position and how few quality veteran options remain. Dobbins is the only back still available to play at least half of his offense's snaps, with the other free agents on the market being rotational depth pieces that Coach Payton couldn't expect to be much better than what he had last year. Uncertainty at the position means that nothing should preclude them from making a large investment in the position, but it also means they could be forced to take a big swing for a solution out of fear of missing out.
Broncos Country might have some restless nights between now and draft day as we wait to see how the market plays out.