There is now a high chance, if not likely, that Phillip Lindsay will leave the Denver Broncos off-season.
According to media reportsOn Monday, the Broncos placed an original tender – worth $ 2,133 million for 2021 – on the declining limited free agent.
This means the team has the right to be the first to decline if Lindsay signs a quote sheet with an outside suitor, but Denver would receive no compensation if the form didn’t match. (You may recall that the Broncos nearly lost CJ Anderson to the Dolphins in 2016 after choosing not to offer him in the second round.)
Compare this to the $ 3.384 million in second-round tender that would have given the Broncos a second-round design pick at best or, at worst, secured Lindsay’s return next season.
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A two-time 1000-yard back and ex-Pro Bowler, Lindsay suffered an injury-marred and statistically disappointing 2020 campaign in which the Colorado product amassed just 502 ground yards and one touchdown over 118 tries (eight games). He added seven receptions for 28 yards and lost pass catch duties to veteran Melvin Gordon, who led the Broncos with 1,144 yards of scrimmage and 10 total scores (nine rushing).
But Lindsay grew increasingly unhappy with his status – or lack thereof – in the organization, expressing his displeasure on numerous off-season occasions. Writing supposedly on the wall, he hinted at a divorce in Denver during a March 10 interview on SiriusXM NFL Radio.
“What more can I do? What else can I show?” Lindsay responded when asked if he feels wanted.
Assuming Lindsay is indeed a goner, the Broncos are slated to continue in the position with Gordon, who is still facing potential league discipline over his drunk driving arrest last October. (Gordon was cleared of DUI charges.)
The team also has a contract with Royce Freeman through 2021, although it now becomes likely that the Broncos will tackle the position in next month’s draft.
Lindsay’s contract move ends a frantic Monday for new Broncos general manager George Paton, who re-signed defensive end Shelby Harris, brought corner-back Ronald Darby on board, declined Kareem Jackson’s option for safety and signed up for round two RFA linebacker Alexander Johnson and wide receiver Tim Patrick.
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