Broncos Listed as No. 1 Landing Spot for Disgruntled Pro Bowl RB
One Denver Broncos roster need that is flying under the radar right now is running back. The Broncos have some proven talent in the running back stable, but Javonte Williams' injury and subsequent recovery have cast a pall over the position's outlook this year.
Williams suffered a multi-ligament knee injury in Week 4 last season, and while Broncos GM George Paton has expressed optimism that he'll be available in 2023. Others aren't so sure.
To hedge against any unforeseen setbacks in Williams' recovery, the Broncos signed veterans Samaje Perine and Tony Jones Jr. in free agency, giving Sean Payton two solid options should things go awry with Javonte. However, Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport tapped the Broncos as the No. 1 potential landing spot for Dalvin Cook, if the Minnesota Vikings part with the purportedly disgruntled back.
Signing Cook may be a tacit admission that Williams' status for the upcoming season is in doubt. But head coach Sean Payton's biggest priority this year is getting the Broncos back on track. Cook would help them do that—especially in the short term.
Cook would be a get for any team. Coming off his fourth straight Pro Bowl season, Cook totaled nearly 1,200 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in Minnesota last year, chipping in an additional 295 receiving yards and two more scores on 39 receptions.
While Cook might not be known as a pass-catching back, he can do it, which would make him an intriguing potential fit in a Payton offense. However, as it currently stands, Cook is under contract with the Vikings, which means, if the Broncos wanted him now, they'd have to trade for him.
The Broncos aren't exactly loaded with trade resources after dealing multiple first and second-round draft picks in consecutive offseasons to land Russell Wilson and Payton. However, there are rumblings that Cook could be released. If that happens, a possible landing in Denver would become more plausible.
Still, with Perine in the fold, it's hard to imagine the Broncos rolling out a big contract for Cook, even if he were a free agent. The truth is, you can't have Pro Bowlers at every single position on a roster.
And Williams will be back. It's just a matter of when. So, if the Broncos opt to add to their running back stable in what remains of this offseason, it's more likely to be via the NFL draft or college free agent ranks than a tier-one veteran.
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