The Denver Broncos are openly looking to improve their running game this offseason, according to head coach Sean Payton, but that does not mean they are ready to turn the page on their current roster.
They have already begun with their re-work, opting against extending a tender to former undrafted free agent and coaching staff darling Jaleel McLaughlin.
However, that move has left the door open for the Broncosâ next expected roster move.
Ex-Ravens Draft Pick Expected to Sign With Broncos
GettyTyler Badie #28 of the Denver Broncos takes the field to start the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Buffalo Bills.
With McLaughlin on his way off the roster, barring a return in free agency, the Broncos are clear to work on bringing back another member of their 2025 backfield, Tyler Badie. A sixth-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2022, Badie has been with Denver since then.
He was cut by a rookie, and the Broncos claimed him.
Badie, 26, rushed eight times for 23 yards in 2025, but could have a bigger role in 2026, depending on how the rest of the offseason shakes out.
âWhile nothing is official yet, a source said conversations are going on and it is anticipated the #Broncos will bring back exclusive rights free agent running back Tyler Badie on a one-year, $1.075 million deal,â The Denver Gazetteâs Chris Tomasson reported on X on February 27.
The Broncos ended the 2025 season ranked 16th in rushing yards.
However, most of that came before J.K. Dobbins suffered a season-ending Lisfranc injury. They went from 4.8 yards per carry to 3.9, with the rest of the group proving quite ineffective.
Tyler Badie a Trusted Resource
GettyTyler Badie #28 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball against the San Francisco 49ers.
Badie had 11 carries for 86 yards for the Broncos in 2024. He posted an 8-23-0 line in 2025 as he got lost in the roster shuffle. He was utilized more as a receiver. Baide finished with 141 yards on 19 catches, and could reprise that role behind RJ Harvey in 2026.
âAnother thing in here: Bo Nix trusts #Broncos RB Tyler Badie a ton in pass protection. Film showed that,â The Denver Postâs Luca Evans posted on X in the wake of the news. âBadie dropped too many passes this year, but heâs an ERFA. Denver could have him back on a one-yr deal at vet minimum. Iâd be surprised if they *didnât* offer that.â
Dobbins is a free agent, and Harvey struggled as a runner in the lead role.
None of that directly equates to Badie commanding touches in the Broncosâ offense next season. But most of the NFL is comprised of role players, and Badie appears to have one.
Broncos Eyeing Improved RB Room
GettyJ.K. Dobbins #27 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans.
Payton spoke candidly, removing pending free agents like Dobbins from the equation when discussing the Broncosâ plans for the draft at the combine.
âWell, if we look at our roster, and we start doing the âmustsâ, you would say you have to take the free agents out of the equation. And so, running back would have to be one,â Payton told reporters on February 24. âWhen we go through that exercise, I think you have to remove the magnets.â
That does not mean Dobbins will not return, which would change the math for Badie and others.
It does not sound as though the Broncos are counting on that being their best, let alone the only, option to address the RB need on their roster this offseason.
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