The Denver Broncos must address the running back position in the upcoming 2026 offseason, which starts on Monday, March 9, with the legal tampering period (deals and trades become official on Wednesday 11). Denver currently has three running backs under contract. Specifically, second-year RJ Harvey, Deuce Vaughn (reserve-future deal), and Cody Shrader (reserve-future deal). J.K. Dobbins and Jaleel McLaughlin (not tendered) will be unrestricted free agents, and Tyler Badie is an exclusive rights free agent (expected to be back, but nothing official yet).
This year's free agency class has some interesting names at the position, including Breece Hall, Travis Etienne, Kenneth Walker III, Tyler Allgeier, and Rico Dowdle, among others. On the other hand, the 2026 NFL Draft features guys such as Jeremiyah Love, Emmett Johnson, Jadarian Price, Mike Washington Jr, and Jonah Coleman, among others.
Dobbins was having a great start to the season before suffering a season-ending injury in November's Week 10 Thursday Night matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Harvey had flashes in his rookie year, especially in the passing game, but following Dobbins' injury, he was inconsistent, and in my opinion, cannot be your primary back.
He had only 383 rushing yards (including playoffs) on 115 carries since Dobbins went down (not including the Week 10 Raiders game), which is 3.33 yards per carry on average. To get an idea of how bad this is, Javonte Williams had a 3.7 average yards per carry in 17 games during the 2024-25 season.
If Denver cannot add a running back via free agency, there are some names mentioned in potential trade rumors, including Lions' David Montgomery and Vikings' Aaron Jones. Montgomery might be an interesting option for Denver, especially given his value and Detroit's bad cap situation.
There are rumors that Montgomery wants out of Detroit, which makes sense because he has star running back Jahmyr Gibbs there. Also, teams such as the Broncos could see Montgomery as the lead back. Speaking of Denver, Montgomery has ties to running backs coach Lou Ayeni.
Ayeni was the running backs coach for the Iowa State Cyclones from 2014-17, and Montgomery played college football there from 2016-18. They spent a couple of seasons together. Could Montgomery reunite with one of his college coaches in Denver? If so, Denver would have to trade for him.
2 mock trades for the Denver Broncos if they want to acquire RB David Montgomery:
In the last few seasons, there have not been many running back trades to see what a potential Montgomery trade would look like, but let's check some. Last season, the Cincinnati Bengals traded Joe Mixon to the Houston Texans in exchange for a 7th-round draft pick. A few seasons ago, the Detroit Lions traded D'Andre Swift and a 7th-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 4th-round pick and a 7th-round pick.
For me, a Montgomery trade might be more similar to the Mixon trade because of his age, but with a higher draft pick. In this league, anything can happen, so who knows?
Mock trade #1: Broncos get Montgomery for day 3 pick
Broncos receive:
RB David Montgomery (28 years old)
Lions receive:
2026 5th-round pick (168th overall)
There are rumors of Detroit potentially wanting an early day 3 pick if they end up moving Montgomery. A fifth-round pick could make sense, just straight up.
Mock Trade #2: Broncos get Montgomery + pick for two day 3 picks
Broncos receive:
RB David Montgomery
6th-round pick (212th overall)
Lions receive:
5th-round pick (168th overall)
7th-round pick (247th overall)
Due to Montgomery's age, getting extra picks could make sense to build for the future. Also, Denver does not have a pick in the sixth round, so adding one also might make sense.
Denver currently has 7 draft picks, including two in the fourth round (Devaughn Vele trade), which could allow them to acquire proven veterans such as Montgomery via trade. We will see if they are rewarded with compensatory selections, too.
Montgomery has 2,506 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns during his last three seasons with the Detroit Lions despite having Jahmyr Gibbs as the primary running back. He could be a very interesting option for the Broncos in this upcoming new league year.