The Broncos plan to tender RFAs Lindsay, Johnson and Patrick
Mar 4, 2021, 4:37 PM
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Broncos general manager George Paton said the team plans to tender restricted free agents (RFAs) Phillip Lindsay, Alexander Johnson and Tim Patrick, although he was unsure at what level.
Lindsay, Johnson and Patrick will be free to negotiate and sign with other teams. However, the Broncos will have the right to match those deals or receive draft pick compensation in return, depending on what level Paton choose to tender them. Most often, RFAs return to their original team on the one-year tender offer.
Lindsay posted consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons in 2018 and 2019, but watched as John Elway elected to add Melvin Gordon to the backfield last offseason. Splitting carries with Gordon and dealing with injuries, Lindsay’s production fell in 2020 as he rushed for just 502 yards and one touchdown in eleven games.
“Phillip is a good player and very passionate. He had some injuries last year and he brings energy and juice,” Paton said about the running back. “He’s a restricted free agent and we do plan on tendering him. I’m not sure at what level, but we want Phillip here.”
Johnson has become a consistent part of Vic Fangio’s defense at middle linebacker during the past two seasons, including leading the team in tackles in 2020. Patrick, meanwhile, developed into a starting receiver for the Broncos last season and caught a team-high six receiving touchdowns.
