Report: Broncos had ‘preliminary interest’ in RB David Johnson

Before the Cardinals traded David Johnson to the Texans, the Broncos had some interest in the running back.

Before the Cardinals agreed to trade running back David Johnson to the Texans in a blockbuster deal to land wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, the Broncos reached out to Arizona to inquire about Johnson.

Denver had “preliminary interest” in potentially trading for Johnson before ultimately deciding against it, according to a report from KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis. That means Broncos general manager John Elway was considering acquiring Johnson and taking on his $10.2 million salary.

If the team is willing to pay that kind of money for a running back, fans in Denver should probably keep an eye on RBs set to become free agents. The Titans used their franchise tag on Derrick Henry but there are several other notable running backs set to become free agents.

Melvin Gordon, Carlos Hyde, Peyton Barber and Corey Clement are all scheduled to become unrestricted free agents on Wednesday. Devonta Freeman was cut by the Falcons on Monday and he is now available, too.

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