Mile High Report
Would Najee Harris improve the Broncos backfield?
The Broncos run game was not very good last season. We saw them cycle through three different backs and never really found the answer Head Coach Sean Payton was looking for. Javonte Williams still did not look the same after his brutal leg injury and struggled as a runner throughout the year. Jaleel McLaughlin was probably their most productive back but the reality is that his size limits his role on offense. Meanwhile, rookie Audric Estime had some moments but struggled when given a chance later in the year and was a healthy scratch in their wildcard game vs. the Bills.
Now, as the Broncos enter into the offseason, improving their running game will be a top priority. They found their answer at quarterback with Bo Nix but now, they need to find him a running game. One player who could be part of that answer is Steelers running back, Najee Harris. The former first-round pick is expected to hit free agency and has topped 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons in the league.
In four seasons in the NFL, Harris has carried the ball 1,097 times for 4,312 yards and has 28 career rushing touchdowns. This past season for the Steelers he rushed the ball 263 times for 1,043 yards and 6 rushing touchdowns. He has consistently given the Steelers at least 1,000 yards rushing and on average, 7 rushing touchdowns per season. While not amazing, that is a solid contributor to your offense.
With Najee Harris hitting the free agent market, should the Broncos consider signing him to improve their backfield?
Name: Najee Harris
Position: RB
Height: 6-1
Weight: 242 pounds
Age: 27 years old
Experience: 5th NFL season
The Broncos have lacked consistency in their backfield for years now and Najee Harris should be able to bring them that. He is not a Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, or Derrick Henry as we saw hit the free agent market last season, but he would upgrade the Broncos rushing attack.
Javonte Williams is a free agent and is unlikely to re-sign with the team. Jaleel McLaughlin does not have the size to be consistently run between the tackles and rookie Audric Estime was a healthy scratch in the Broncos wildcard game. They need someone reliable and consistent in that backfield and I believe Najee Harris can be that guy. I also believe Harris is someone who could benefit from a change of scenery. The Steelers have had their struggles at quarterback, play-caller, and on offense in general. With the Broncos, he will have the best quarterback he has ever played with and the best play-caller and offensive mind he has ever had. So, his numbers could certainly improve with the Broncos if they do indeed sign him.
The current trend in the NFL is successful teams having good or great running games. The Broncos had a poor...
