What teams around the NFL would have an interest in Phillip Lindsay?
Mar 17, 2021, 6:29 AM | Updated: Mar 18, 2021, 8:13 am
The Denver Broncos could lose running back Phillip Lindsay this offseason. The team tendered him with an original-round designation on Tuesday, meaning other teams could sign Lindsay to an offer and the Broncos would receive nothing in return as compensation.
It’s a sign that they don’t really want to keep him around. That’s a dangerous game to play, especially with other teams in the league coveting the skill set of a guy like Lindsay. The former back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher could be quite the prize for a team in need of help at the running back position.
Let’s gauge the potential interest in Lindsay with some teams who might be interested.
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Kansas City Chiefs
This is something that would make Broncos Country sick to their stomach. As I noted on Twitter, the buzz around the league is that the Chiefs would be interested in Lindsay. On Tuesday, the team released Damien Williams and re-signed Darrel Williams to a one-year deal. Their lead back is 2020 first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Williams is more of a power back.
I talk to enough people around the NFL to know that Phillip Lindsay is going to get plenty of attention now that he’s tendered original round RFA. One person today told me #Chiefs would ‘welcome Lindsay with open arms’ and ‘know what to do w/him’ – #Broncos @1043TheFan
— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) March 17, 2021
Did the Chiefs clear the way for Lindsay? He could push Edwards-Helaire for the starting job in one of the most high-powered offenses in the league. The guy who runs that offense is former CU star Eric Bieniemy and I’m sure he’d know how to use Lindsay in the best way possible.
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Baltimore Ravens
There was a strong chance that Lindsay would’ve signed with the Ravens as a college free agent had his mother not talked him into signing with the Broncos. Baltimore was super interested in Lindsay at the time, and that interest may not have dissipated.
They do have J.K. Dobbins as their lead back, but the team decided to move on from Mark Ingram, who wound up with the Texans. Behind Dobbins is power back Gus Edwards, so they don’t have a back with Lindsay’s skill set. Superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson puts defenders on edge and having a player like Lindsay would further give opponents nightmares. I’m sure Ravens defensive end Derek Wolfe would give him a recommendation.
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Arizona Cardinals
Earlier this offseason, the Cardinals did not place the franchise tag on last year’s starter Kenyan Drake, which meant he was going to hit free agency. That leaves Chase Edmonds as the lead back, and he’s more than capable of handling that job but he’s not as proven as Lindsay.
What’s in Lindsay’s corner with the Cardinals? Not only is former Broncos head coach Vance Joseph there, but Sean Kugler, the Cardinals offensive line coach and run game coordinator, is there as well and he coached with the Broncos back in 2018 (interior OL coach). Imagine quarterback Kyler Murray keeping plays alive to toss it to a guy like Lindsay out of the backfield. That’s got the potential to be a dangerous combination for the Cardinals offense.
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Las Vegas Raiders
Like the Chiefs, Broncos fans would hate to see Lindsay wind up with the Raiders. Josh Jacobs is their starter, and he can carry a heavy workload because of his size and skill set. Last year’s backup was former Broncos running back Devontae Booker. He ended up with the Giants this year in free agency, meaning the Raiders have a spot open.
The Raiders have speed on the outside with receivers like Henry Ruggs and Bryan Edwards. They have arguably the best tight end in the league with Darren Waller ripping seams down the middle of a defense. Lindsay could easily take advantage of lighter boxes and thrive as a reserve player with a hated division rival.
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Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are one of the most run-heavy teams in the NFL. Last year’s starter Chris Carson is a free agent, leaving former first-round pick Rashaad Penny as their lead back. Penny has missed more games than he’s played in and is one of the most injury-prone players in the league. Behind Penny, Seattle has another big back in DeeJay Dallas.
Even though they are a power team, they don’t have a back like Lindsay. With a rushing quarterback like Russell Wilson, Lindsay could thrive. Lindsay is a tough runner inside but has the speed to pick up chunk plays. With Penny’s propensity to get hurt, Lindsay could end up the leading rusher for a team like Seattle in 2021.
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New York Jets
I fully expect the Jets to select a running back in the 2021 NFL Draft, likely in the first three rounds. Currently, LaMical Perine is the lead back with little behind him on the depth chart. Lindsay would be the best back on the roster if added, and the team should implement a Shanahan offense under new head coach Robert Saleh.
The Jets offensive coordinator is Mike LaFleur (yes, related to Matt LaFleur, a Shanahan disciple) and he’s going to run a system that would complement Lindsay’s skill set. Also on the Jets staff are former Broncos coaches Greg Knapp and Rob Calabrese. In addition, Taylor Embree – son of former CU coach Jon Embree – is on the Jets staff, as well. The Jets could use a back like Lindsay and he’s got good connections in the Big Apple.
