Mile High Report
Burton isn’t the flashiest free agent but the fullback provides solid leadership and an experienced veteran.
When it comes to Denver Broncos free agents, Michael Burton isn’t at the top of the list.
That fits since the 10-year vet is a fullback. On the field and off, the position isn’t the flashiest. And in today’s NFL, it’s an endangered position.
However, Sean Payton and the Broncos are one of the few offenses and franchises that still utilize and need a fullback.
With running back being one of the major needs for this team in the offseason, having an experienced leader who knows Payton’s system becomes even more important.
Age: 33 | Experience: 10th | Height: 6’0” | Weight: 247 pounds
Burton is also one of those players who does whatever is needed for the team. He contributes to special teams when asked and obviously does the grunt work on offense.
Whether Payton, George Paton, and Denver bring back, Burton will be intriguing.
Payton is one of the few coaches who has an offense that still utilizes a fullback. Burton knows Payton, the offense, and has been in Denver for two years.
That checks the knowledge box.
Since Bo Nix is entering the second year of his NFL career, having another layer of protection and play-making is just as important. Box checked.
For a young team, Burton brings that leadership.
In short, it makes more sense to bring Burton back to the Broncos than let him leave via free agency. For Burton’s side, most teams don’t use fullbacks so that limits his options. It makes sense for Denver and for Burton.
For the 2024 season, Burton had seven carries for 8 yards and one touchdown. He also had 10 receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown. Burton's value lies in protecting Nix, blocking in the running game, knowledge of the offense, and leadership.
As noted earlier, the Broncos have to upgrade the running back position this offseason. Whether via free agency, the NFL Draft, or both, having an experienced fullback would be a nice wrinkle to keep in the fold. No, it’s not rocket surgery, but Burton won’t cost much and could help the new running back(s) learn the offense, provide tips, and answer questions. You won’t get that with a younger fullback or one that doesn’t know the offense.
Howard Griffith from the back-to-back Super Bowl days is somehow available?
The only way Burton doesn’t return to Denver is because the Broncos go in a different direction, or Burton gets a better offer from one of the handful of teams that still use a fullback.
It’s far more likely that Burton re-signs in Denver. He won’t cost that much against the salary cap, and you know what you’re going to get. There also isn’t a better option out there, and if there were, he would likely be more...
