As the NFL regular season barrels into its final weeks, playoff-caliber teams are doing what contenders do - looking for any edge, any spark, any piece that might give them just a little more juice heading into January. For the Denver Broncos, that spark might come in the form of a powerful back with something to prove.
Fresh off punching their ticket to the postseason with a win over the Green Bay Packers, the Broncos made a quiet but intriguing move on Monday evening, claiming running back Cody Schrader off waivers from the Los Angeles Rams. It’s a depth move on the surface, but one that could carry real upside for a Denver team that's already gaining momentum at the right time.
Schrader isn’t a household name - at least not yet - but college football fans, especially in SEC country, know exactly what kind of runner he is. During his two seasons at Missouri, Schrader was a workhorse.
He piled up 2,700 total yards and found the end zone 23 times, putting the Tigers' offense on his back more than once. His 2023 campaign was nothing short of dominant: 1,627 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns, and a unanimous first-team All-American nod.
That kind of production doesn’t happen by accident.
Despite going undrafted in 2024, the Rams saw enough in Schrader to bring him in as a free agent. But like many rookies trying to break into a crowded backfield, he struggled to find his footing in Los Angeles. Now, with a fresh start in Denver, he gets another shot - this time with a team that’s not just playing meaningful football in December, but one that’s got real postseason aspirations.
This move also comes with a corresponding roster shift, as the Broncos placed safety Brandon Jones on injured reserve to make room for Schrader. It’s a tough loss for the secondary, but adding a physical, downhill runner like Schrader could help Denver control the clock and take some pressure off the passing game - especially as the weather gets colder and the games get tighter.
What Schrader brings to the table is grit. He’s not flashy, but he’s tough between the tackles, has a nose for the end zone, and plays with a chip on his shoulder - the kind of back who thrives when the lights get bright and the margin for error shrinks. For a Broncos team that’s been surging in recent weeks, he could be a valuable piece in a playoff push that’s suddenly looking very real.
He may not be the headline-grabbing addition, but don’t be surprised if Schrader finds a way to make his presence felt when it matters most.