The Denver Broncos own the interesting distinction of being a team that has not signed an outside free agent this offseason.
That's right, the Broncos have not signed a single player who hit the free-agent market from another team — but it hasn't been for a lack of trying.
In an article by Mike Sando of The Athletic, an unnamed executive said Denver thought it was going to sign running back Travis Etienne in free agency before he signed with the New Orleans Saints, which was pretty surprising to all of us.
Broncos shocked with Travis Etienne signing
"Another exec said the Broncos thought they were going to sign former Jaguars running back Travis Etienne, only to have the Saints land him instead," Sando reported.
“[The Broncos] were shocked,” the executive told Sando.
Etienne was one of the most coveted free agents available, and arguably the best running back, which is why he ultimately landed a four-year, $48 million deal in free agency.
Denver had a clear need at running back next to RJ Harvey.
The Broncos have since addressed that by re-signing J.K. Dobbins, who was very good last season but once again struggled with an injury issue.
What's funny about this Etienne nugget is head coach Sean Payton recently said just how high of a priority re-signing Dobbins was, yet they were in on another running back first.
“Dobbins was a priority. Ahead of all others. And that’ll anger people," Payton said
Perhaps Denver would have re-signed Dobbins even if Etienne was brought aboard, but we find that tough to believe.
Instead, Dobbins was likely the fallback option if Etienne didn't land with the Broncos.
Nevertheless, this goes to show you that the Broncos have indeed be in on some free agents despite their lack of moves, and even some of the biggest ones available.
More NFL News