C.J. Anderson is the Broncos' top running back and carried the team when they got to the playoffs. He struggled earlier on during the regular season as he dealt with multiple nagging injuries, which hindered his production.
During that time, Anderson was outplayed by Ronnie Hillman, who ended up taking the starting job for a few games. As soon as Anderson was healthy, he was the clear option and the lead back. That is why it was so surprising to see the Denver Broncos give such a low tender to Anderson.
The Broncos gave Anderson the lowest tender possible valued at $1.671 million. This also means that the Broncos would not get a draft pick if Anderson leaves the franchise. A second round tender would at least have discouraged teams for pursuing Anderson, as it would be valued at $2.553 million. Now, there is a bidding war going on for his services.
Anderson carried the ball 152 times during the 2015 regular season while recording 720 yards and five touchdowns. Anderson's postseason numbers were nothing to scoff at either, as he ran the ball 54 times and gained 234 yards, along with two touchdowns.
The Miami Dolphins are set on picking up Anderson, as they look to make him their complimentary back now that Lamar Miller is with the Houston Texans. The Chicago Bears are looking to add Anderson for depth purposes, as they will be relying heavily on two younger players.
The New England Patriots will be looking closely at Anderson after letting LeGarrette Blount walk in free agency. The last team interested is the San Francisco 49ers, who have seen Carlos Hyde suffer multiple injuries since taking over for former starter Frank Gore.
John Elway and the Broncos will have five days to match any compensation given to Anderson, and it is likely that they will try to keep him, but the Broncos are struggling to find cap relief. If Anderson leaves this, it would be another starter from the Broncos Super Bowl winning roster who left in free agency, as they have already seen quarterback Brock Osweiler, defensive lineman Malik Jackson and middle linebacker Danny Trevathan all walk away.
