NFL Rumors on Kenneth Walker III, Jeremiyah Love, Links to Chiefs and Broncos as RB Market Develops

There is no shortage of intrigue when it comes to the running back market this offseason, especially with reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III available as a free agent and Notre Dame star Jeremiyah Love in the NFL draft.

Two AFC West rivals are reportedly keeping tabs on that market.

Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported Wednesday the Kansas City Chiefs "appear ready to strike at the running back position this month" since they don't believe Love will fall to them with the No. 9 pick.

While B/R's NFL Scouting Department projected the Chiefs to end up with Love at No. 9 in its most recent mock draft, he has been connected to the Tennessee Titans at No. 4 overall as well. Jones also pointed out some at CBS Sports believe he will go No. 8 overall to the New Orleans Saints.

Yet the report also suggested Walker may be too expensive for Kansas City, which could instead focus on "a player in that $8 million per year area" for its backfield.

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But Walker may be ideal for the Denver Broncos.

Jones called Denver "an obvious landing spot" for the Super Bowl MVP even though it could also go for a cheaper alternative in Travis Etienne. Jones further underscored the Broncos' desire for a running back by reporting they are "the reason why the [New York] Jets used the franchise tag on Breece Hall rather than the transition tag."

Using the franchise tag means the Jets would receive two first-round draft picks if Hall signed an offer sheet elsewhere they weren't willing to match, which is an untenable price tag even though he is a productive running back.

J.K. Dobbins played well for Denver last season while averaging 5.0 yards per carry, but injuries ended his season after just 10 games. Durability has also been a problem throughout his career, and he is a free agent this offseason.

Backup RJ Harvey was less effective at 3.7 yards per carry and was even worse in the playoffs with 20 yards on six carries against the Buffalo Bills and 37 yards on 13 carries in the loss to the New England Patriots.

With quarterback Bo Nix still playing on his rookie contract and the team's competitive window wide open after reaching the AFC Championship Game, Denver can afford to spend up for a running back addition.

Perhaps that will mean Walker playing for the Broncos next season.