Denver Broncos GM George Paton Adds Former First-Round Running Back to Support Rookie RJ Harvey
The Denver Broncos are continuing to build around their young offensive core, particularly in the backfield. General Manager George Paton recently announced the signing of a former first-round running back, a move intended to bolster the development of rookie RJ Harvey, who is expected to be a key figure in the Broncos’ offense in 2025.
Harvey, selected in the second round of this year’s NFL Draft, is projected to be the team’s lead back under head coach Sean Payton. The Broncos invested a top-60 pick in the University of Central Florida standout, signaling significant confidence in his potential to contribute immediately. However, relying on a rookie to carry the bulk of the workload always comes with risk, especially with a young quarterback like Bo Nix also expected to take on a major role.
To address the need for experience in the backfield, the Broncos made a notable addition by signing Travis Etienne, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ first-round pick from the 2021 NFL Draft. Etienne has been the subject of trade rumors for some time, and Denver had previously been speculated as a potential landing spot. Though his tenure in Jacksonville has had its moments, he hasn’t quite delivered on the high expectations that followed him out of Clemson.
Justin Melo of The Draft Network recently highlighted the Broncos as one of three teams that could benefit from acquiring Etienne, especially given their current running back situation. Melo noted that while Harvey brings potential, the Broncos’ backfield depth lacks experience. He pointed out that Audric Estime, a second-year fifth-round pick, is currently viewed as the short-yardage and change-of-pace option, but beyond that, the depth is thin. Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie are also on the roster, but their spots are anything but guaranteed heading into training camp.
Melo suggested that a combination of Harvey, Etienne, and Estime could form a well-rounded trio. Though referring to the group as “stellar” might be an overstatement, there’s little doubt that a veteran presence like Etienne would add balance and leadership to a young offense.
Etienne is entering the final year of his rookie contract, making him a potential short-term addition unless the Broncos opt to extend him. That complicates the situation somewhat. With several key players on the roster approaching free agency, committing to a new deal for Etienne could be financially difficult. Therefore, if the Broncos had pursued him via trade, they would have been wise not to give up more than a late-round pick. Reports suggested the Jaguars might have been seeking a fourth-rounder, but that price could have been too steep considering Etienne’s recent decline in production.
Indeed, Etienne’s performance dropped notably in 2024. He finished with nearly 500 fewer rushing yards than the previous year and averaged just 3.7 yards per carry—a far cry from the impressive 5.1 yards per carry he managed in 2022. These numbers, combined with Jacksonville’s moves to feature Tank Bigsby and draft Virginia Tech’s Bhayshul Tuten, indicate the Jaguars may already be preparing for life after Etienne.
For the Broncos, the addition of a seasoned back like Etienne brings balance to a young offense that includes a rookie quarterback and an unproven wide receiver corps. However, Denver should continue to explore other veteran options, ensuring they find the right mix of leadership and skill without overcommitting resources.
Ultimately, the signing of Etienne gives the Broncos much-needed depth and experience in the backfield while also serving as an insurance policy should RJ Harvey need time to adjust to the NFL. The move reflects Denver’s strategic approach to building a competitive roster around its young stars.
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