Denver’s season ended in heartbreak with a 10-7 loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship, leaving the franchise to confront what it needs to close the gap to a Super Bowl appearance. The disappointment comes as injuries mounted and the running game faded late, a factor many see as Denver’s biggest remaining gap.
As injuries piled up and J.K. Dobbins missed the entire second half of the season, the Broncos’ rushing attack faded, amplifying the call for a dynamic back who can carry games and contribute in the passing game.
Breece Hall has been producing at a high level despite a turbulent environment with the Jets. In 2025, he rushed for 1,065 yards on 4.4 yards per carry and added 36 receptions for 350 yards. Across four seasons, Hall has accumulated 3,398 rushing yards, 18 rushing touchdowns, and nearly 1,650 receiving yards, all while recovering from an ACL injury and maintaining elite explosiveness at age 24.
Spotrac projects Hall to command a four-year deal worth roughly $41.5 million, a significant investment that many analysts say is justified for a true three-down weapon who can impact both the run and pass games.
Denver is viewed as an ideal fit not for a rotational piece but for a game-changing back who can deliver big plays when the offense stalls. Hall checks the boxes Payton seeks: explosive speed, strong pass-catching ability, and the durability to stay on the field in critical moments. While rookie RB RJ Harvey offered help in the passing game, his between-the-tackles production lagged, and a change of scenery could unlock Hall’s peak, echoing moves that sparked Barkley’s breakout after leaving the Giants for the Eagles. With Russell Wilson’s contract off the books, Denver also enters free agency with meaningful financial flexibility and a clear window to land a premier offensive playmaker.
