At 10-2, the Denver Broncos are in the thick of the AFC playoff race - and not just as a participant. They’re squarely in the hunt for the conference’s top seed.
But with running back J.K. Dobbins likely sidelined for the rest of the season, the backfield has taken a hit, and the run game hasn’t quite looked the same since.
If there’s ever a time to be aggressive and bolster the roster for a postseason push, it’s now.
Denver’s front office knows what’s at stake. The opportunity to secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs doesn’t come around often - and certainly not in a conference as deep as the AFC. With that in mind, here’s a look at three available free agents who could give the Broncos a boost down the stretch.
1. Elijah Moore, WR - A Versatile Option with Upside
Elijah Moore was in Denver on Monday for a visit, signaling mutual interest between the two sides. And given the timing, this could be more than just a routine check-in.
Moore, 25, entered the league as a second-round pick in 2021 and has shown flashes of being a reliable contributor. Across four seasons with the Jets and Browns, he’s averaged over 600 yards and three touchdowns per full season - not eye-popping numbers, but enough to suggest he can be a steady WR3 or WR4 in a playoff-caliber offense.
Here’s a look at his yearly yardage totals:
- 2021: 538 yards
- 2022: 446 yards
- 2023: 640 yards
- 2024: 538 yards
Moore's calling card is his route-running and short-area quickness. He’s not a true burner, but he can separate underneath and work the middle of the field - something that could complement Denver’s current receiver group well. With the Broncos already kicking the tires on a potential deal, this one feels like it could materialize quickly if both sides like the fit.
2. Zack Moss, RB - A Physical Runner with Recent Production
With Dobbins out, the Broncos have a clear need in the backfield, and Zack Moss might just be the best available option.
Still just 27, Moss had a strong 2023 campaign with the Colts, rushing for 794 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 4.3 yards per carry. He’s a downhill runner with a compact frame, and he’s proven he can handle a starter’s workload when called upon.
Over his career, which includes stints with the Bills, Colts, and most recently the Bengals in 2024, Moss has logged:
- 2,318 rushing yards
- 16 touchdowns
- 4.2 yards per carry
- 61 games played
What makes Moss particularly appealing for Denver is his stylistic similarity to Dobbins. He’s not a flashy back, but he’s efficient, physical, and can grind out tough yards - all traits that become even more valuable in cold-weather playoff games. If the Broncos are serious about maintaining a balanced offense, Moss is a logical target.
3. Jamaal Williams, RB - A Proven Red Zone Weapon
If Denver wants a veteran presence with a nose for the end zone, Jamaal Williams fits the bill.
Williams led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2022 with 17 while racking up 1,066 yards for the Detroit Lions. Since then, he’s spent time with the New Orleans Saints, playing in both 2023 and 2024. While his production dipped in those seasons, the skill set remains - especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Here’s what he’s done over his career:
- 4,122 rushing yards
- 32 touchdowns
Williams brings a physical style and a veteran mindset. He’s a big-bodied runner who doesn’t shy away from contact, and he offers just enough in the passing game to stay on the field in multiple situations. For a Broncos team looking to add depth and experience to the backfield, Williams could be a smart pickup - especially if they want a closer to finish drives in the red zone.
Final Thoughts
The Broncos have done the hard part - putting themselves in position for a deep playoff run. But with injuries mounting and the stakes rising, now’s the time to fine-tune the roster. Whether it’s adding a versatile receiver like Elijah Moore or reinforcing the run game with a proven back like Zack Moss or Jamaal Williams, Denver has options.
And with the AFC race as tight as it is, every edge matters. The right addition could be the difference between a road trip in January and a home-field advantage that runs through Mile High.