Why the Broncos cut C.J. Anderson after a 1,000-yard season

C.J. Anderson was the first Broncos rusher to top 1,000 yards in a season since 2013. But that wasn’t enough for Denver to keep him around. Anderson has been released and will hit the market as a free agent, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

Anderson had some ups and downs during the season, but, overall, he was the team’s most reliable rusher and contributed in the passing game, too. The Broncos’ offseason training program started today, which could explain the timing. Now the Broncos will move forward with Devontae Booker as the feature back.

Here’s why Anderson will be looking for a new NFL home this offseason.

The Broncos matched a four-year, $18 million offer sheet from the Miami Dolphins when Anderson was a restricted free agent back in 2016. He was set to make $4.5 million this year, but the deal was front loaded so that all of the $7.2 million guaranteed was paid out over the first two years. That means that the Broncos save that $4.5 million and end up with no dead money as the result of this move.

They had just over $26 million to work with this offseason before cutting Anderson, so that $4.5 million helps, especially after signing Case Keenum in March.

Anderson finished the season with 1,007 rushing yards, 224 receiving yards, and four total touchdowns. But head coach Vance Joseph fired running backs coach Eric Studesville after the season, and Anderson was vocally opposed to the move.

Booker has flashed potential since being drafted by the Broncos in the fourth round in 2016. In his rookie year, he rushed for 612 yards and had 265 receiving yards and five total touchdowns. His productivity on the ground slipped last year, with just 299 yards and one touchdown. But he was about as valuable as a receiver, with 275 yards.

Booker suffered a wrist injury during OTAs that landed him on the PUP list, and he missed the first three games of 2017. If he stays healthy and is getting the bulk of the carries, he should be able to handle the load and live up to the team’s expectations.

The Broncos also have De’Angelo Henderson on the roster, and could now very likely look to the draft to get more depth at the position.

Anderson’s just 27 years old, and he’s fresh off of a 1,000-yard season despite a lack of a quality passing game in Denver. Anderson shouldn’t have any trouble finding a place to land considering his age and last season’s performance.

One of those places, could be Miami:

Regardless, it shouldn’t be long before Anderson finds another landing spot.