Why Denver Broncos Retaining CJ Anderson Was Right Move

The Denver Broncos surprised some by matching the Miami Dolphins' four-year, $18 million offer for running back C.J. Anderson. The Broncos picked up Anderson as an undrafted free agent out of the University of California in 2013. Over three years with the Broncos, Anderson has rushed 338 times for 1,607 yards, 4.8 yards per carry and 13 rushing touchdowns. He’s also snared 59 passes for 507 yards and two receiving touchdowns.

In 2015, Anderson began the season as the starter, but in the first five games of the year, he only averaged 2.6 yards per carry due to an ankle and turf toe injury suffered in Week 1. He was replaced by Ronnie Hillman as the starter but was able to get healthy as the season went on in a backup role. For the second season in a row, Anderson emerged over the last several weeks of the year.

Nearly half of his 720 rushing yards in 2015 came after contact. Anderson’s power is easy to see when he’s toting the rock, and his 2.3 yards-after-contact-per-rush average was fourth-highest in the NFL last year. In every game Anderson had 14 or more carries, the Broncos won, and he played a key role in big wins during the regular season.

During the postseason, Anderson came through for the Broncos in a big way. He led all backs with 234 rushing yards in the 2015 postseason, including a 90-yard performance in Super Bowl 50. With his new contract, Anderson is set to be even more involved in the offense this upcoming season.

General manager John Elway has high expectations for Anderson.

“That’s what I told C.J.: ‘You know what? The expectations of you as a leader as well as somebody that is a part of this organization—all those expectations go up.’ With the rise in pay also goes the rise in expectations, and I think C.J. understands that, and he’s ready to handle that.”

Running backs coach Eric Studesville praised Anderson at team headquarters on Tuesday.

“We’re glad to have him back. He knows we still have some work to do going forward, so we’re going to continue that work. We’re glad to have him back and excited for him and this opportunity. It’s well deserved. He’s earned that opportunity, and we’re glad for him.”

Retaining Anderson was the right move for the Broncos. Here’s why.

He’s Hungry

Ben Margot/Associated Press

With a Super Bowl ring and a big contract in hand, Anderson still has the desire to prove the doubters wrong. After missing time with injury and early-season disappointment in 2015, Anderson has plenty of people who question whether or not he can carry a full-time load.

Anderson says he’s got plenty of motivation for 2016 and beyond.

“People still think you can’t do it. I can’t be the bell-cow back. I can’t stay healthy. I’m not going to be able to produce and be productive in this system.”

Anderson continued, “There are still things going on out there that still keep you motivated and hungry. Again, the best motivation is when I came in four years ago, I told Coach E (Studesville) that I wanted to be the best to ever do it. I want to be one of the best running backs to ever play the game.”

He showed up out of college with a chip on his shoulder. In the 2013 NFL draft, there were 22 running backs selected (including Broncos second-round pick Montee Ball) but only three backs from that draft class (Eddie Lacy, Le’Veon Bell, Gio Bernard) have more rushing yards since entering the league. Anderson has the highest yards-per-carry average (4.75) out of that group, and his 24.6 first-down-per-rush percentage is also at the top of the charts.

Anderson has had success in the pros to this point, but he wants to take his game to a higher level. The language of the NFL is money, and this contract shows how much the Broncos believe Anderson can do bigger and better things in the future.

The QB Situation Is Up in the Air

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

With a questionable quarterback situation, the Broncos could be leaning on Anderson more than ever in 2016. Brock Osweiler chose to sign with the Houston Texans, turning down an offer from the Broncos to continue his career in Denver. The Broncos would’ve had to commit a lot of money to keep Osweiler. Instead, they get to save money and look elsewhere for help at the quarterback position.

Elway admits that Osweiler leaving helped free up some money for Anderson.

“Things always change. I think that obviously with the situation with Brock going to Houston, it did free up a little bit more cash. That made this decision pretty easy.”

Mark Sanchez was added from the Philadelphia Eagles via trade, and he could begin the season as the starter. There’s a chance the Broncos could select a quarterback like Paxton Lynch (Memphis) in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft to be their lead guy at the position. Either way, the Broncos should be relying on the rushing attack to keep things simple for the quarterback.

Anderson’s powerful running style will help feed into the strength of the team—the defense. By wearing opponents down, Anderson helps keep the Broncos defense fresh.

It’s Chess, Not Checkers

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Elway is playing a game of chess with the roster like all good general managers do. He’s looking ahead while also doing his best to concentrate on the present. This is why Elway always says that he wants to build a team that can win now—and win from now on.

With a Super Bowl championship after only five years as an executive, Elway deserves the benefit of the doubt when it comes to constructing the roster.

The Broncos placed an original-round tender on Anderson to begin free agency. Had he signed that tender, Anderson would've made $1.6 million on a one-year deal.

The Broncos general manager does not regret putting second-round tender on Anderson.

“No. We’re glad we got him tied up for four years. We found out what his market value was. Obviously, he’d been with [Dolphins head coach Adam] Gase here, and so Gase had an interest in him. Miami as well as Chicago showed interest. Overall, when we look at the package, we think it’s a very fair package for what he’s going to do.”

The Broncos clearly believe Anderson could put up great numbers in their offense. Had he been signed to a one-year deal—then performed at peak levels—the Broncos would have had to sign Anderson as an unrestricted free agent in 2017. If he puts up the numbers he’s capable of, there’s a good chance that contract for Anderson would have been much more costly. Elway essentially saved money on what Anderson’s open-market price could be after a more successful season.

Anderson says the players on the roster believe in Elway.

“We trust—as a team and as an organization—we trust Elway. We’re going to put the best team together. We trust our coaches that they’re going to bring the best talent in to compete. We’re going to pick the best players.” Anderson concluded, “We’re going to go out there, play football and compete for another championship.”

Summary

The Broncos have lost a few players in free agency, but they knew how important Anderson was to their team, so they matched a fair offer from the Dolphins. They now have him locked up through his age-28 season at an annual average of $4.5 million.

Anderson has big plans for his future in Denver.

“I have big goals. The team goals are always ever year to win the Super Bowl. I think we have the team to do that. I think we have the players, the right mindset and the coaches to make that happen possible again.”

Anderson emphasized, “We have to defend our championship. As far as individual, you want to have big games, rush for a lot of yards, be an All-Pro back. There are some things that I want to do individually that I have. Me and Coach Studesville will talk about it. He probably already knows about it. It’s on me and him to go get it.”

The Broncos made a commitment to Anderson, and he’s prepared to pay them back with excellent play as their featured back.

All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand. Record/statistical information provided via the Broncos media department unless otherwise noted. Advanced stats via ESPN's employees-only database. Draft grades courtesy of NFLDraftScout.com.

Contract and salary-cap information provided by Spotrac. Transaction history provided by Pro Sports Transactions.