ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — As Phillip Lindsay became free to begin negotiating offer sheets with other teams, the Broncos moved to add running back depth and strengthen their special teams by reaching agreement on a two-year contract Wednesday afternoon with Mike Boone, a former Minnesota Viking.
Boone was a non-tendered restricted free agent as the Vikings apparently balked at the $2.133 million low-tender salary. The Broncos didn't, as they gave him a two-year deal that includes a $2.6 million guarantee.
> Above video: Mike Klis and Rod Mackey discuss Phillip Lindsay's future with the Denver Broncos.
Undrafted out of the University of Cincinnati in 2018 and signed by George Paton and the Vikings, the 5-foot-10, 206-pound Boone primarily served as a core special teamer and No. 3 running back in his three seasons in Minnesota.
Boone, 25, did flash as a running back in game 16 of the 2019 season when he rushed for 148 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries against the Bears, a game in which the Vikings rested several starters because they clinched, and couldn’t improve upon, their No. 6 NFC playoff seed.
It’s unclear whether Paton believes Boone has the potential to become a full-time No. 2 back, or is primarily wanting to add much-needed talent to the Broncos’ special teams, or both. Melvin Gordon is the Broncos’ 1A starter with Lindsay at least for the moment the 1B back. Royce Freeman, a third-round draft pick in 2018, was the No. 3 back last year and has one more season left on his rookie contract.
Meanwhile at 2 p.m. MDT Wednesday, Lindsay officially became a low, or non-round, tendered restricted free agent which means opposing teams could begin negotiating a contract offer sheet with him knowing they don’t have to submit a draft pick in return for signing away the two-time, 1,000-yard running back. The Broncos do have the right to match any competing offer sheet and bring Lindsay back.
Broncos podcast: Klis' Mike Drop
Denver Broncos headlines, game previews and interviews with our 9NEWS insider Mike Klis.
HOW TO LISTEN
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Sports