By Jordan Long
Free agency in the NFL is on March 16th. The Denver Broncos have plenty of free agents they need to make decisions on. One player who looks like he is not coming back is Melvin Gordon.
Gordon spent the last two years with the Denver Broncos as their running back. He didn’t break the 1,000 yard rushing total in either season but was still productive. He rushed for 1,904 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground. His average yards per rush was not bad at 4.6 yards per carry.
Gordon was more than just a rusher. He could block to give quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, Drew Lock, or whoever was under center more time to throw the football. When defenses blitzed, Gordon could pick it up, giving the quarterback a few extra seconds to throw the football without being sacked.
Gordon was also used in the passing game. He would sneak out of the backfield to catch the football or the Broncos would use screens for him. Gordon totaled 60 receptions for 371 yards and 3 touchdowns.
These stats seem like they are good enough to bring him back. There are two problems with Gordon. One is he wants to be a starter and the other is he fumbles. The Broncos drafted Javonte Williams in the 2nd round of last years’ draft. He split time with Gordon and was the backup. Williams seemed to be the better player because he was difficult to take down in the open field. He broke tackles totaling 903 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Gordon also fumbled way too often. In his two seasons in Denver Gordon didn’t protect the football. He put the ball on the ground 7 times while losing 5 of them, far too many. The Broncos couldn’t trust that he wouldn’t have the ball ripped out of his hands which would give the other team great field position.
Gordon knows the Broncos want Williams to be the featured back but Gordon feels he can play this game at a high level. According to MSN.com, Gordon said, “I know eventually they want him to be the guy and to take over. And the thing is, I’m still fairly young and I still want to compete at a high level. I just don’t wanna take a back seat.”
The Broncos have a decision to be made. They could let Gordon go in free agency leaving them with Williams, Mike Boone, and Damarea Crockett as the only running backs on the team. Williams would most likely be the starter. Boone would be the veteran running back but he is more of a special teams player. Last season he had 45 rushing yards. Crockett finished his rookie season with Denver but it was nothing special with just 7 rushing yards.
The Broncos could go into free agency looking for another veteran running back who could split time with Williams. Their options are Devonta Freeman, Raheem Mostert, or James White among others.
The Denver Broncos should consider all options. Gordon wants to be the featured back and that won’t happen in Denver. The Broncos, though, will do what they feel is best for the team moving forward.
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