One of the bigger surprises of the 2024 NFL season was the Denver Broncos ending their eight-year playoff drought with rookie quarterback Bo Nix leading the team. The Broncos secured a Wild Card Berth with a 10-7 record and will pick 20th in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Sean Payton has said he wants to find a “Joker” to take his offense to the next level now that he has his quarterback and there are a few ways Denver could do that. One way is via trade, and PFSN has an exciting trade option that would land a 21-TD playmaking running back in the Mile High City.
Could Broncos Trade For Tampa Bay Running Back?
Denver’s running back room was a massive disappointment in 2024, utilizing a three-headed monster that never got rolling. Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Audric Estime were the primary options, with none gaining more than 513 yards (Williams) on the ground. Williams led the way with four rushing scores and added 346 receiving yards.
McLaughlin proved he’s a good supplemental piece gaining 496 yards on 26 fewer carries with only one touchdown, and Estime totaled 310 yards and two touchdowns. The team needs to invest in a running back and PFSN’s latest mock draft agrees having them select Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty at No. 20.
Another way to bolster the position group is to trade for a proven producer. PFSN’s Sterling Xie recently wrote about one trade each team should make this offseason, and he feels the Broncos should trade for Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White.
#Broncos HC Sean Payton on must-adds this offseason:
“We need a joker.”
Payton said that could be a tight end or a running back who’s an elite receiver, and stated that he’s “all about” a Reggie Bush-type player
[🎥: @UpAndAdamsShow] pic.twitter.com/nUMpww8FCi— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) February 5, 2025
Xie wrote, “At the Combine, Sean Payton spoke openly about his hopes to find a “Joker” type at running back or tight end to help create mismatches in the passing game. One candidate is Rachaad White, who is getting squeezed out of a crowded Buccaneers backfield that Bucky Irving should lead in 2025.
“White saw his carries decrease in 2024 thanks to Irving’s emergence, but he’s had at least 50 catches in all three seasons. Since entering the league in 2022, White has ranked in the top five among running backs in receptions (165), receiving yards (1,232), receiving TD (11), catch rate (89.2%), and EPA on targets (39.0). He’s also been sure-handed with only four drops on 185 targets, a 2.2% drop rate which ranks fifth-best among RBs in that span.
“White is entering the last year of his rookie deal, so the Bucs could recoup some value while the Broncos get a look before a possible extension. He shouldn’t cost more than a sixth- or seventh-round pick, which has been the asking price in recent years for young committee backs like Khalil Herbert and Cam Akers.”
The three-year vet was clearly the second option in 2024, rushing for just 613 yards and three touchdowns on 144 carries to Irving’s 207. White had 272 carries, 990 yards, and six scores in 2023, so he’s quickly fallen down the depth chart.
His 21 career touchdowns (10 rushing, 11 receiving) would fill Payton’s “Joker” role well as a three-down back who can contribute in both phases. Xie notes that Denver wouldn’t have to give up much for the running back, and if the team is serious about investing in the position group then this is a logical move.
Rachaad White’s Roller Coaster Career
White has had himself a solid career, all things considered.
His sophomore season in 2023 was his best season in his three-year career, with him rushing for 990 yards and six touchdowns.
However, for whatever reason, White struggled to stay consistent. In the first ten weeks of the season, he only rushed for over 60 yards twice, then hammered out a pair of 100 yard games.
Then, in his third season, he lost his starting job to the rookie Irving.
Perhaps a breath of fresh air in the Mile High City can do wonders for the struggling White. While the run game didn’t work out for the three-headed running back room, White has a solid amount of upside, and his ability as a receiver can help elevate Nix as well.
Other Running Back Options
Payton’s obsession with finding his ‘Joker’ is well documented. However, trading for a fourth year, still young running back is far from a guarantee. What other running backs are available?
J.K. Dobbins
Dobbins revitalized his career with the Chargers after having horrible luck with the Ravens, tearing his ACL in 2021, and then his Achilles in 2023.
In 2024, Dobbins found some luck. While he battled through injuries that kept him out for four games, he managed to rush for over 900 yards and was voted second to win the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award.
Aaron Jones
It was reported that the Minnesota Vikings are preparing for life outside of Aaron Jones, and a local Denver radio station put Jones as a top candidate for Payton’s offense.
The eight year veteran has rushed for over 7,000 yards in his career, but what has made Jones such a big factor is his receiving abilities with nearly 2,500 career receiving yards.
Rico Dowdle
Don’t sleep on Rico Dowdle. In his first season as a starter with the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, Dowdle rushed for over 1,000 yards at 4.5 yards per carry and 250 receiving yards.
Dowdle would be an interesting fit for Payton’s offense and he will be a heavily targeted back on the free agency market.