NFL exec says Broncos were 'shocked' they didn't land free agent running back
· Yahoo Sports
The Denver Broncos pursued running back Travis Etienne during NFL free agency, interest that he confirmed after opting to instead sign with the New Orleans Saints.
Several weeks later, an unnamed NFL executive told The Athletic that the Broncos thought they were going to be able to sign Etienne before the Saints swooped in. “They were shocked,” the exec told The Athletic's Mike Sando.
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Etienne received a four-year, $48 million deal from New Orleans that averages $12 million per season with $24 million guaranteed and a $12 million signing bonus. After missing out on Etienne, Denver brought back J.K. Dobbins on a two-year, $16 million contract that averages $8 million per year. Dobbins received a $4 million signing bonus, which is his guaranteed salary in 2025, but he has no guaranteed money in 2027.
Speaking at the NFL's annual meeting in Arizona last month, Broncos coach Sean Payton said Dobbins was a priority to re-sign "ahead of all others." Dobbins is now set to lead the team's backfield again in 2026 with RJ Harvey rotating in behind him. Denver will also likely add another running back during the NFL draft later this month.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL rumors: Broncos were 'shocked' to not land free agent RB