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DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 05: Head coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos looks on before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field At Mile High on January 05, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
The Denver Broncos have not made a running back move yet this offseason, but their aggressive pursuit of the position has already reshaped the market.
According to CBS Sports insider Jonathan Jones, Denver’s plans at running back played a direct role in the New York Jets deciding to place the franchise tag on star running back Breece Hall earlier this week.
“The Broncos are poised to make a splash at running back next week,” Jones reported. “Denver is the reason why the Jets used the franchise tag on Breece Hall rather than the transition tag, according to sources, making sure Denver wouldn’t get the opportunity to put together an offer the NYJ would refuse to match.”
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The Broncos are poised to make a splash at RB next week, per @jjones9
“Denver is the reason why the Jets used the franchise tag on Breece Hall rather than the transition tag… making sure DEN wouldn’t get the opportunity to make an offer the NYJ would refuse to match.
The move effectively takes Hall off the market before free agency even begins. But it also highlights just how aggressive theBroncos appear to be in their search for a major upgrade in their backfield.
Broncos’ RB Pursuit Forced Jets’ Hand
The Jets’ decision to use the franchise tag instead of the transition tag carries major implications.
Had New York used the transition tag, another team could have negotiated an offer sheet with Hall. The Jets would have had the right to match the deal, but there would have been no draft compensation attached if they declined.
By using the franchise tag instead, the Jets essentially shut down that possibility. Any team attempting to sign Hall would now have to surrender two first round picks if the Jets chose not to match the contract.
According to Jones, Denver’s interest was strong enough that New York did not want to take that risk.
There are also notable connections between the two organizations that likely made the threat even more real. Jets general manager Darren Mougey previously worked in Denver’s front office. Additionally, Broncos running backs coach Louis Ayeni originally recruited Hall to Iowa State during his college recruiting days.
Those ties may have given the Jets an inside understanding of just how serious Denver was about pursuing the dynamic 24-year-old running back.
Broncos Still Expected to Be Aggressive at RB
Even though Hall is now effectively off the market, the Broncos’ plans at running back appear unchanged.
Jones’ report suggests Denver remains poised to make a splash at the position once free agency opens. The team has been widely expected to add a big-name running back if J.K. Dobbins leaves in free agency.
Several notable options could still emerge as targets.
One of the most intriguing possibilities is Kenneth Walker III.
Walker is expected to draw strong interest across the league if he hits free agency. His explosive running style and big play ability would fit naturally in Sean Payton’s offense.
Another name to watch is Travis Etienne Jr.
Etiennecould represent a slightly more affordable option while still offering dynamic speed and pass catching ability out of the backfield.
Regardless of which direction Denver ultimately chooses, one thing is already clear.
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The Broncos’ aggressive pursuit of a running back is already influencing decisions around the league, and it may only be the beginning as free agency approaches in the coming days.