The Denver Broncos have released veteran running back C.J. Anderson, according to multiple reports.
The move comes on the heels of Anderson’s best year of his career after he rushed for 1,007 yards last season, the first 1,000-yard season of his career.
During the offseason, it became clear the team was willing to trade the fifth-year back, but after failing to do so, they decided to part ways with him.
Anderson was scheduled to make $4.5 million in 2018, however, he didn’t have any dead money in his contract so his release cost the team nothing against the cap.
Anderson joined the team as an undrafted rookie out of California in 2013. He took the spotlight during his second season as he rushed for 767 yards and eight touchdowns in the final eight games of the season.
The news of Anderson’s release comes as the team reports for the first day of their offseason conditioning program.
With Anderson no longer on the team, Denver’s running back room currently consists of Devontae Booker and De’Angelo Henderson, both of which combined for 312 rushing yards last year. It is now heavily expected the Broncos will turn to the draft to add another running back to the group.
0 Comments (3 conversations)
Think they may know something about how the draft may fall? Maybe a trade partner jumping in at 4 and making Barkely’s fall to them likely? Still think going Rosen or Mayfield is the more important pick but Barkley would be exciting AF. Thanks for the great podcasts guys! -Jeff from NYC
ManxBronco
I’m personally gutted. Booker is not on his level and hasn’t shown nearly enough. The depth of the running back class this year is great and could see us picking up someone effective in the 2nd round but I’m fearing we’ll live to regret this.
ManxBronco
I’m certainly not confident on the running game with 2, potentially 3 unproven RB’s. CJ released off the back of a 1,000 yard season is ill advised in my opinion. He wasn’t even the bell cow early on.
Preston_Nibaur
I don’t get it either. At this point I think it would have been wise to wait until the draft to make this choice. Unless he would have been owed some money at some point this week or next- but I don’t think that’s the case. So I don’t get it. If the draft doesn’t fall our way, and we struggle to run the ball next year, Denver fans will be incredibly frustrated.
Zac Stevens
AuthorYou’re right Preston. He wasn’t owed any money before the draft.
Zac Stevens
AuthorThanks Jeff! I completely agree with you about all of that. Saquon definitely is the hot name after CJ being released, but I think it shows how much they like multiple RBs in the first 3 rounds. I don’t think ALL of their eggs are in the Saquon basket, but he’s certainly interesting. Especially now!
Zac Stevens
AuthorThere’s no doubt it will b an inexperienced group. The Broncos are really relying on Case Keenum’s veteran presence if they don’t pick up a vet RB
Just say no to Saquon. His performance is quite uneven.