The Los Angeles Chargers have an absolutely massive offseason ahead of them. With Zion Johnson's return in question, there is a very real chance they will need to replace three starters along the offensive line. With the depth they need to add across the roster, they will have no choice but to be highly active.
Although they now have the most cap space in the NFL this offseason, Los Angeles will enter 2026 with a number of unknown quantities. In that way, they are at a distinct disadvantage to teams who have already assembled their cores, especially in the trenches.
The Denver Broncos are one of these teams. As a result, it make sense for them to pursue a difference-making offensive weapon this offseason. The Chargers likely won't have this luxury.
As reported by Jonathan Jones at CBS Sports, Denver is looking to make a "splash" at running back when free agency opens next week. That should be a scary thought for Los Angeles.
The Broncos could be one step away from serious Super Bowl contention
It's easy to make the case that Denver was a serious Super Bowl contender in 2025. If Bo Nix had not gotten injured in their Divisional Round victory over the Buffalo Bills, they very well could have been playing in the big game.
But it's also difficult to look past the inefficiencies of their offense as it's currently constructed. While Denver finished top 10 in total yards last season, they finished 16th in the league in total rushing yards and totaled just 11 runs of 20 or more yards over the course of the campaign.
J.K. Dobbins' season-ending foot injury in Week 10 certainly didn't help. But it's clear the Broncos need an additional offensive boost to launch themselves into the NFL's top tier of teams.
Both Kenneth Walker III or Travis Etienne could be serious options this offseason. Although Walker didn't have the most impressive regular season, he flashed his explosive abilities in the playoffs en route to winning Super Bowl MVP. With the Seattle Seahawks declining to use the franchise tag, he could command as high as $10 million annually on his next deal.
Etienne, meanwhile, will likely be seeking out a new situation after how things have gone in Jacksonville on his rookie contract. But he rebounded from a rough 2024 campaign this past season, posting 1,107 rushing yards on 260 touches. He should come in somewhat cheaper than Walker does this offseason.
The Broncos have almost $21 million in cap space available, and most of their other needs can be addressed through the draft.
An explosive running back cannot turn an offense around entirely, but they can add considerable fuel to a fire that's already burning. Both Walker and Etienne could immediately be that for Denver, unlocking their RPO game and giving them an undeniable playmaker to complement Nix's scrambling and short-pass abilities.
In 2025, the only thing truly holding the Broncos back from absolute dominance was that lack of a truly explosive threat. If they get it this offseason, the Chargers can likely kiss their chance at winning the AFC West goodbye.