The Denver Broncos are expected to make an outside addition to their running back stable this offseason. The big question is whether or not it will be a big splash signing or a second-tier or under the radar signing. Either way, I believe the Broncos will find a way to improve the position group for a stronger performance in 2026.
There are two players considered to be the potential prize of the group of backs available in free agency. Those would be Breece Hall and Kenneth Walker. Travis Etienne would give Denver an established three-down playmaker at the position whilst Tyler Allgeier is an underrated player poised for a larger role and would make a strong combo with second-year running back RJ Harvey.
Another under-the-radar option for the Broncos would be running back Brian Robinson Jr. After spending his first three seasons with the Washington Commanders, Robinson Jr. was traded to the San Francisco 49ers this past August as final 53-man rosters were being finalized. He played second fiddle to Christian McCaffrey, whose 2,126 yards and 17 touchdowns made him the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year and put another All-Pro accolade to his resume.
Now with his rookie contract over, Robinson Jr. will hit the open market and try and find a team where he can contribute more frequently. Perhaps Denver could be an option for him. Let’s discuss.
Player Profile
Running Back | Brian Robinson Jr. | San Francisco 49ers
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 225 pounds
Age: 26 years old
Experience: 4 NFL seasons
2025 stats: 92 carries for 400 yards (4.3 YPC) and 2 rushing touchdowns. 8 receptions on 12 targets for 25 yards.
Should the Broncos sign running back Brian Robinson Jr.?
If the Broncos aren’t able to sign one of the four backs mentioned above, pivoting to Robinson wouldn’t be a bad fallback option. He offers size Denver doesn’t have in their current stable of backs. I think he would be a quality option on early downs to pair with the aforementioned Harvey.
In four seasons, Robinson has 662 carries for 2,729 yards (4.1 YPC) and 17 rushing touchdowns. As a receiver, he has reeled in 73 of 92 targets for 612 yards and 5 receiving touchdowns. In his rookie season and last year, he didn’t have a lot of balls thrown his way to showcase his receiving talent. However, his second and third seasons (with a 9 yard per reception average) demonstrate he can be a capable receiver out of the backfield when called upon.
A whopping 25-percent of Robinson’s career runs have resulted moving the chains. Throughout his career, 1,795 of his 2,729 rushing yards have been after contact. He has maintained a steady average over 4 yards per carry on first down. Efficiency in short yardage situations on second and third down are also a big part of his game. He is best off-tackle and with runs to the outside; yet would provide the team with a player who has shown an ability to be consistent on inside runs as well.
Overall, Robinson may not be a flashy option for Denver, but the fit is good. Moreover, playing behind an upgraded line with the Broncos could propel him back to being over a 1,000 all-purpose yard back. With the right change in scenery, there is a good bet his best football is still ahead of him.
Why the Broncos will not sign Brian Robinson Jr. in free agency.
There isn’t really a dominant reason the Broncos wouldn’t have interest in adding him. As outlined above, there are a lot of reasons why he is a good fit. Nevertheless, I believe Denver has their sights set higher on coming away with a more established playmaker or bigger upside. That ultimately is the major ‘why’ going against him.
Final Thoughts
Signing Robinson wouldn’t necessarily be a huge needle mover like some of the other backs, but he would still be a nice veteran addition to the team. I think his running style is a good complement to Harvey’s skillset. Though if the Broncos signed just him, they would be wise to utilize a pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to bolster the position group as well.
What do you think, Broncos Country? How would you feel about Denver adding Robinson Jr. into the mix at the running back position? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section.