2023 is a big year for the Denver Broncos. They made a splash acquisition in 2022, landing Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks and things didn’t pan out as planned. Wilson had the worst statistical season of his career and it resulted in head coach Nathaniel Hackett being fired after one season.
So, the Broncos made another splash this year, acquiring head coach Sean Payton from the New Orleans Saints to take over the role for them. Payton has his work cut out for him getting Wilson back on track, but he isn’t the only question mark on the offense.
Right now, the running back position is also up in the air. In a perfect world, Javonte Williams would be healthy and ready to go at the start of the season. Before a knee injury prematurely ended his 2022 campaign, the 2021 second-rounder has shown the ability to be an every down back.
But, this isn’t a perfect world. Williams may not be ready for the start of the season and some depth could be needed. The Broncos did sign Samaje Perine in free agency, who excels as a pass blocker and receiver. But, the team is lacking an early-down workhorse to lean on.
Could Leonard Fournette be someone that Denver considers bringing in? PFF certainly thinks so, as signing the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers tailback is the one move Brad Spielberger believes the team should make before training camp.
“Fournette wasn’t at his best in 2022, but the injury-decimated Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive line struggled to create any rushing lanes. In 2021, Fournette’s 3.2 yards after contact per attempt ranked 15th among running backs, with his 12.2% stuff rate a bottom-10 rate among running backs with at least 50 carries. While the two never crossed paths with the New Orleans Saints, Fournette and new Broncos head coach Sean Payton have the Louisiana connection, so this could be one of the better team fits available to him.”
Bringing Fournette in as a potential bounceback candidate would be a shrewd move for the Broncos. He brings championship experience and has the ability to carry the load in a backfield if the need arises.
Fournette would also provide insurance in case Williams isn’t in the lineup in the early going or return to form this season. Sometimes injuries like the one he suffered take at least a year to shake the rust off. Only 28 years old, there should still be some tread left on the tires of the No. 4 overall pick from the 2017 NFL Draft.
