Denver releases Anderson, saves $4.5 million in cap space
From an undrafted free agent to a Super Bowl champion, C.J. Anderson made the most of his time as a Bronco. Now, that time in Denver is over.
The Broncos released their leading rusher from a season ago Monday, a cost-cutting move that saved the team $4.5 million in cap space. Anderson took the news well, saying he understood it was strictly a business decision.
“It’s been a good career (in Denver),” Anderson told 104.3 FM The Fan. “I had a lot of fun. I’m excited for the next opportunity.”
Anderson said he would be “patient” in seeking out a good fit for his next team. He said he’s “super motivated” to prove himself again.
Broncos general manager John Elway made it clear during the offseason that Anderson might not be around for long. Elway listened to trade offers throughout the offseason but was unable to find any takers. Miami showed the most interest but a potential deal, believed to be in exchange for right tackle Ja’Wuan James, fell through.
“Over the last five years, C.J. developed from an undrafted player into an important member of our team,” Elway said in a team release. “We appreciate all he did as a Bronco, especially during our Super Bowl season.”
Anderson, 27, is expected to receive interest from several teams. He signed a four-year contract in 2016, but the deal had no guaranteed money in the final two seasons, which meant the Broncos could release Anderson without
owing him anything.
When asked last month about whether veterans Anderson and cornerback Aqib Talib would return for 2018 as the Broncos looked to clear cap space, Elway gave a noncommittal answer, saying, “We’ll see. We’ll look at that. Like I said, we’re looking at every option that we can and where our football team is. I’m not saying they’ll be back for sure, but I’m not going to say they are gone.”
Talib was soon afterward traded to the Los Angeles Rams and Anderson is now a free agent.
The 5-foot-8, 224-pound Anderson is coming off his most complete season, one during which he rushed for 1,007 yards on 245 carries — all career highs. Anderson added 224 receiving yards on 28 catches. In his fiveyear Broncos career, Anderson rushed for 3,051 yards on 693 carries (4.4 yards per attempt), and 20 touchdowns. He also had 859 yards receiving on 103 receptions and four touchdowns.
Anderson had many memorable highlight reel runs including his 48-yard overtime scamper to beat the New England Patriots in the snow in Denver in 2015. And his 2-yard touchdown run late in Super Bowl 50 helped ice the win for the Broncos. It was the only offensive touchdown the Broncos scored in the game.
But Anderson said one of his best memories as a Bronco was a day in training camp as a rookie when he knew he had arrived. He broke off two long runs during a practice that impressed coach John Fox and his staff and signaled he might have a shot to make the roster. “That solidified me as a player, confidence wise,” he told 104.3 FM The Fan.
The Broncos still have two running backs whom they have high hopes for on the roster — Devontae Booker and De’Angelo Henderson — but it’s also expected they will draft a running back, with no clear No. 1 back on the team.