NFL Trade rumors: Broncos Match Dolphins Offer, Keep C.J. Anderson
C.J. Anderson and the Denver Broncos were destined to part ways this offseason after the restricted free agent was offered good money by the Miami Dolphins. But because general manager John Elway didn't want to let him go, he decided to exercise the team's right to match the four-year, $18 million offer, thereby keeping him as running back for the defending Super Bowl champs.
In an interview with 9News, Anderson expressed his gratitude to the team. "I'm humbled and blessed for the opportunity to play for a great organization for four more years," he said. On the other hand, the Dolphins are forced to explore what's left in the market and hope to find a running back – a position the team is in desperate need of.
Denver almost decided against matching the offer because one issue – the stiff price they needed to pay for Anderson's first year, including the $5.25 million signing bonus to be given by the end of this month. He also will have to be paid a total salary of $6 million for this year, which means that he officially becomes one of the most expensive running backs in the league.
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There were a lot of reservations to the days leading to the decision by the Broncos, according to Pro Football Talk. The team used up all the five days they had to match the offer, but they eventually did. Part of it may have been because of the quarterback fiasco Denver had to endure the past week. But this time, the roster is looking a lot clearer.
With two of the main guys gone, the Broncos will have a difficult time repeating as champs, but it isn't something that's impossible to do. But one thing is for sure: the team made the right decision of keeping Anderson this season, even for a stiff price.
