Three days from when the legal tampering period starts, we’re ranking Denver Broncos free agent running back options.
The Broncos need a running back badly this offseason, and there are a lot still available in free agency.
Who are the best fits?
Ranking Denver Broncos free agent running back options
Sean Payton said during the NFL Combine the Broncos two “musts” are at linebacker and running back. That was before they didn’t tender Jaleel McLaughlin.
In fact, running back is the biggest need for Denver this offseason.
J.K. Dobbins was the starter last year and he’s a free agent now. They need to fill his spot as well as a backup role behind RJ Harvey, who is the No. 2 guy.
So, who will the Broncos go after?
With many great free agent running backs still available, let’s rank who’s the best fit.
1. Travis Etienne
Etienne has emerged as the back the Broncos will likely sign. He has all the skills Sean Payton needs in a running back to fit his offense. He is tough enough to run inside with power, and yet he has the ability to break big runs when need be. To wit, his 26 explosive runs were 12th last year. Etienne has gone over 1,000 yards three times in four seasons as a professional and would be a great get.
Pros: Can run inside or outside well. Has great hands and caught a career-high 6 touchdowns last year.
Cons: Success rate (46.9%) was below NFL average last year. Will be quite pricey, at $12-14M per year.
2. Tyler Allgeier
If Denver doesn’t want to break the bank on a running back this offseason, Allgeier is another great option for a starter ahead of Harvey. Unlike Etienne, Allgeier has been the No. 2 back behind Bijan Robinson the last three years. That means he’s had less wear and tear on his body and likely still has a lot of tread on the tires. Last year he actually ran for more touchdowns (8) than Robinson did in Atlanta (7) on half as many carries.
Pros: A great nose for the goal line. A stronger success rate (49.0%) compared to Etienne. A likely much cheaper contract than Etienne.
Cons: He’s not a great receiver. Less explosive than other free agent backs.
3. Rachaad White
White is another two-back system guy who makes the most of his carries when he gets them. In 2023 and 2024 he was the Bucanneers starting running back, but then Bucky Irving took over last year. Still, he rushed for 572 yards and 4 touchdowns on only 132 carries in 2025, with a career-high 53.8% success rate. He’s also a good-to-great receiver.
Pros: White’s hands are among the surest for all running backs. He had zero fumbles and zero drops in the passing game last year. He graded out as the fourth-best running back by PFF in rushing grade last year.
Cons: Lacks explosiveness, with only 13 explosive runs last season.
Honorable Mention
J.K. Dobbins: He’d be a good guy to bring back because he knows the offense and could be cheap. But he’s injury-prone.
Rico Dowdle: Not sure he fits the system, but could be decent in Denver.
Kenneth Walker: Would probably go for a lot of explosive runs but is too expensive and his success rate was bad last year.
The Denver Broncos have $24.5M in cap space currently. They have been rumored by Jonathan Jones that they will make a splash signing this week. I expect it to be Etienne.
Ranking Denver Broncos free agent running back options: Travis Etienne leads Mile High Sports.
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