The Denver Broncos reportedly have ‘love’ for a coveted free agent that would fill a big need
The Denver Broncos are expected to make some big-time moves with free agency getting underway this week.
The Denver Broncos are likely going to sign a running back in free agency.
But which free agent running back will it be that joins quarterback Bo Nix in scenic Colorado?
That will mostly depend on how the market plays out. It will also depend on which running backs show mutual interest in the Broncos (there’s usually a direct correlation between money and interest).
The Broncos “have love” for free agent running back according to ESPN
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on Sunday that the Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs “have love” for Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne.
Fowler also noted that Denver could check in on Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker, who is set to be a free agent less than two months after being named the MVP of Super Bowl LX.
“I’m hearing Walker will consider the Giants and Commanders among his options, with the Titans as a possibility, too,” wrote Fowler. “Etienne has AFC West love via Denver and Kansas City. Both of those teams could check on Walker and others, too, depending on price ranges.”
Etienne is set to hit free agency after spending the first five seasons of his career with the Jaguars.
The former Clemson Tigers standout rushed for 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns last season. He also caught 36 passes for 292 yards and six touchdowns.
It was the third time in the last four seasons that Etienne rushed for more than 1,000 yards (the outlier season was in 2024 when Doug Pederson was the Jaguars’ head coach and Jacksonville finished with a 4-13 record).
Fowler reported that the “ceiling” for Walker’s contract is expected to be around $12 million annually. He also pointed out that Etienne could be “right there” at that price, too.
“Kenneth Walker seems to be the market-setter as it stands, but Travis Etienne Jr. will be right there in the mix,” wrote Fowler. “Some teams I’ve talked to are setting the market’s ceiling at around $12 million. That could go up if enough teams get involved.”
Etienne just turned 27 in January, while Walker will turn 26 in October.
The Broncos could use either player as an additional weapon for Nix — both would be great fits for Denver’s offense (they’re both good pass catchers out of the backfield). But the Broncos may be best served to try to get a deal done with Etienne quickly while other teams fight for Walker.
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