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DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 19: Head coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos reacts to a play in the fourth quarter of a game against the New York Giants at Empower Field At Mile High on October 19, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
The Denver Broncos entered NFL free agency expected to aggressively pursue help in the backfield.
Instead, the early hours of the market have delivered a frustrating reality for Broncos Country.
Within a short window Monday, three running backs widely linked to Denver found new homes elsewhere.
Former Seattle Seahawks standout Kenneth Walker III reportedly agreed to a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, sending the Super Bowl MVP to a division rival.
Not long after, former Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier reached a two-year agreement with the Arizona Cardinals.
Then came the final blow.
According to reports, former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne agreed to a four-year, $52 million deal with the New Orleans Saints.
Zack Kelberman
Literally every team has made a move except for the Broncos
The Broncos had been connected to all three players throughout the lead-up to free agency.
However, with every deal that came through, another potential running back target came off the market.
Broncos Lose Multiple Backfield Options
The Broncos’ interest in the running back market was hardly a secret.
After struggling to generate consistent production on the ground last season after J.K. Dobbins’ injury, Denver entered the offseason searching for a difference-maker who could elevate the offense.
The team’s rushing attack was particularly exposed during its AFC Championship Game loss, when the Broncos failed to establish any balance offensively.
That need made players like Walker, Allgeier and Etienne especially appealing.
Walker brought explosive big-play ability and postseason momentum following a standout playoff run. Allgeier offered durability and physical downhill running. Etienne, meanwhile, represented one of the most dynamic dual-threat backs available on the market.
The most frustrating twist for Broncos fans may be Walker’s landing spot. The Chiefs’ deal means Denver will now have to defend the former Seahawks star twice a year.
Instead of joining Sean Payton’s offense, all three players quickly signed elsewhere.
That leaves Denver still searching for answers.
Broncos Still Searching for Running Back
With three prominent targets now off the market, the Broncos must pivot quickly.
Several other options remain available, including veteran backs like Rico Dowdle, Rachaad White, and Isiah Pacheco. However, none of those options entered free agency with quite the same buzz as the trio Denver was initially linked to.
Another possibility that is looking more likely is bringing back J.K. Dobbins.
DNVR Broncos
𝑹𝑬𝑷𝑶𝑹𝑻: J.K. Dobbins remains very much in the mix to return to the Broncos 👀
Per: @ZacStevensDNVR
As DNVR reporter Zac Stevens said Monday morning, “Dobbins remains very much in the mix to return to the Broncos, according to multiple sources.”
For now, however, the early stages of free agency have not unfolded the way Broncos fans hoped.
A lot of frustration has spilled over onto social media, where Broncos insiders and fans have voiced their disappointment as the team has yet to make a move.
Still, it’s early in free agency, and the Broncos have plenty of time to make a big splash.