The Denver Broncos may not be done making low-risk moves at running back. A new suggestion is starting to gain some traction.
According to NFL analyst Sayre Bedinger, Denver could look to add former first-round pick Najee Harris as a depth option behind JK Dobbins and RJ Harvey. The idea centers on both value and need.
“It would make a ton of sense for the Broncos to add Najee Harris,” Bedinger wrote. “They need depth at RB, and he’s probably going to come cheap on a one-year deal after an injury last season.”
That combination of low cost, proven production, and minimal long-term risk is exactly the type of move Denver has leaned into this offseason.
They need depth at RB, and he’s probably going to come cheap/on a one-year deal after an injury last season.
Obvious ties on the roster (Surtain, Waddle), could benefit from a year with somewhat limited touches.
Broncos Could Buy Low on Proven Production
Harris may not be the same player he was during his peak years with Pittsburgh, but his résumé still stands out. He recorded four straight 1,000-yard seasons to begin his career and has already proven he can handle a heavy workload.
The concern now is health.
After signing with the Chargers last year, Harris suffered a torn Achilles just three games into the season. It was a brutal setback in what was supposed to be a reset year for his value. But recent updates suggest his recovery is trending in the right direction, with Harris already running at full speed in workouts this offseason.
That opens the door for a team like Denver to take a calculated swing and steal him from a division rival.
The Broncos have already gone down a similar path with Dobbins this offseason. Adding Harris would follow that same blueprint, targeting upside without major financial commitment.
There is also a built-in level of familiarity that could help.
Harris entered the league in the same 2021 draft class as both Pat Surtain II and Jaylen Waddle, and he overlapped with them at Alabama.
That connection matters, especially for a player potentially stepping into a short-term role. Joining a locker room with familiar faces could ease the transition and make Denver a more appealing landing spot.
Broncos Depth Concerns Make This a Logical Fit
Beyond the value play, the roster fit is what makes this idea even more interesting.
Denver’s current running back room still carries question marks behind Dobbins. RJ Harvey has flashed upside and explosiveness in the passing game. However, he hasn’t fully proved himself as a reliable, every-down contributor.
Additionally, Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie both offer intriguing traits, but neither has fully established themselves as a reliable NFL backs.
That uncertainty becomes even more important when factoring in Dobbins’ own injury history.
Bedinger pointed directly to that concern.
“In the event of a Dobbins injury, do they really trust Harvey, McLaughlin, and Badie? I’m not buying that,” he wrote.
“I personally think the Broncos need a vet to come help the RB room and even push RJ Harvey,” Bedinger added. “Otherwise, they’re facing the exact same situation as last year.”
Adding Harris would give the Broncos a veteran presence who can handle early-down work, stabilize the rotation, and provide insurance if a Dobbins injury strikes again.
And if it works, Denver could quietly steal a proven 5,500-yard back from an AFC West rival at minimal cost.
Broncos Urged to Steal 5,500-yard RB from AFC West Rival