After a successful 2024 season, the Denver Broncos are looking to remain consistent heading into 2025. The Broncos finished with a 10-7 record, their first winning season since 2016, while also making the playoffs for the first time since 2015. Consistent success is difficult to maintain in the NFL, but the Broncos project to be in a strong position this season.
The offense, led by Bo Nix, could take a step forward after finding its feet in the latter half of last season, with Nix completing 66.3% of his passes for 3775 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in his rookie season. On top of the passing game, the Broncos added running backs RJ Harvey and J.K. Dobbins in the draft and through free agency, to strengthen a rushing attack that was 17th in yards per game in 2024.
Harvey and Dobbins have the potential to be a dynamic one-two punch in the backfield, but one recent trade proposal has Broncos head coach Sean Payton landing a former running back of his during his time with the New Orleans Saints. Per Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports, the Broncos could be the perfect suitors for Saints’ running back Alvin Kamara.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks over the play sheet during the first half of the Buffalo Bills wild card game against the Denver Broncos at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Jan. 12, 2025.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks over the play sheet during the first half of the Buffalo Bills wild card game against the Denver Broncos.
Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
“The Broncos, meanwhile, could still use additional big-play weapons for Bo Nix. And their coach, Sean Payton, was responsible for drafting and unleashing Kamara during his time with the Saints.” Benjamin writes, “So what if Denver signed J.K. Dobbins and drafted RJ Harvey? Payton wants depth to win on the ground, and besides, Kamara's best attribute is collecting passes out of the backfield; he could be Nix's top safety valve.”
The idea of Kamara in a Payton offense once again is a tantalising thought. The veteran running back was a five-time Pro Bowler and the Offensive Rookie of the Year with Payton as his head coach, rushing for 4238 yards and 47 touchdowns between 2017 and 2021, while adding 373 receptions for 3263 receiving yards and 20 receiving touchdowns. His time with the Saints could be coming to an end, though.
“Kamara may be a Saints mainstay, but he's approaching 30 with an annual injury history, and New Orleans isn't necessarily geared to compete for meaningful wins in 2025 with a rookie coach and quarterback in Kellen Moore and Tyler Shough, respectively.” Benjamin adds.
If the goal is to get better on the ground, while adding another versatile pass-catcher out of the backfield, there may be no better option than reuniting Kamara with Payton.