ESPN names the 'perfect' free agent signing for the Denver Broncos this offseason
ESPN recently named the "perfect" free agent signing for the Denver Broncos this offseason and it's a suggestion that would be a great fit for the franchise. The Broncos need to find some offensive playmakers to help quarterback Bo Nix and the offense this offseason — specifically at the running back position. ESPN's suggestion is […]
ESPN recently named the "perfect" free agent signing for the Denver Broncos this offseason and it's a suggestion that would be a great fit for the franchise.
The Broncos need to find some offensive playmakers to help quarterback Bo Nix and the offense this offseason — specifically at the running back position.
ESPN's suggestion is for Denver to sign Pro Bowl running back Aaron Jones.
Jones, who spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Green Bay Packers, spent the 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings.
The Georgia native rushed for a career-high 1,138 yards with the Vikings last season to go along with five rushing touchdowns. Jones also caught 51 passes for 408 yards and two touchdowns.
From ESPN: The lesson of Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry's success in 2024 is running backs need good offensive lines to thrive. Well, Denver has that offensive line but now it needs the running back. The Broncos finished No. 1 in run block win rate in 2024, yet finished only 24th in run DVOA.
Enter Jones. Yes, you should be a little bit afraid of a running back above age 30, but Jones still ran for 1,138 yards this past season with a 4.5 yards per carry average. He was above average in NFL Next Gen Stats' rushing yards over expectation metric. In addition, Jones' skill as a receiver fits well. The Broncos ranked fifth in targets to running backs this past season, yet ranked only 26th out of 32 teams in receiving DVOA by backs.
I love this idea for the Broncos. Jones just turned 30 last December, so he doesn't have a ton left in the tank, but it's not like Denver would be making a longterm commitment if they sign him. Jones would be a perfect fit in Sean Payton's offense on a one-year deal.
Payton is one of the best in the business when it comes to utilizing a running back's skillset — especially a running back who can catch the ball out of the backfield. And Jones showed last season that he's still capable of producing at a high level (and he did it while playing in a tough division).
Signing Jones would be an economical way to give the Broncos' offense a much-needed boost for the 2025 season.
