The Denver Broncos face a challenging 2024 season with rookie quarterback Bo Nix at the helm and a roster burdened by $85 million in dead cap money for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Following a 26-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on September 8, the team’s weaknesses have become more apparent, particularly in their running back group, which underperformed in the opening game.
In that game, the Broncos managed 99 rushing yards on 25 carries, with Nix contributing 35 yards and a touchdown on 5 carries. The other three running backs—Jaleel McLaughlin, Javonte Williams, and Audric Estime—totaled 64 yards on 20 carries.
If the Broncos intend to avoid a full rebuild for 2024—a move unlikely with head coach Sean Payton—they will need improved performance from their running backs. One potential solution could be bringing back Latavius Murray, a former Pro Bowler who previously played for the Broncos.
Murray, who played under Payton with the New Orleans Saints in 2019 and 2020, amassed 1,704 total yards and 11 touchdowns during those years. In 2022, he contributed 827 total yards and 5 touchdowns for the Broncos, including 703 rushing yards.
At 34 years old, Murray was the oldest running back in the NFL in 2023, playing 16 games for the Buffalo Bills and recording 419 total yards and 4 touchdowns across 4 starts. He also had 5 receptions for 40 yards in the Bills’ playoff games. His best season came in 2015 with 1,298 total yards and 6 touchdowns, earning him his only Pro Bowl selection.
In May, Murray mentioned to Syracuse.com that he sought stem-cell treatments in Colombia to rejuvenate his body and continue playing in the NFL. He described receiving both IV and localized injections aimed at improving his overall health and targeting specific sore areas.
Murray’s NFL journey also includes stints with the Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Ravens, and two separate periods with the Saints. The Broncos had hoped their running back-by-committee approach would yield better results in 2024 and felt secure enough to release veteran Samaje Perine, who was quickly picked up by the Kansas City Chiefs. Now, the Broncos might need to reconsider their running back strategy entirely.
