Former Buff Phillip Lindsay is a free agent after parting ways with the Denver Broncos
From Phillip Lindsay’s high school football days at Denver South to his professional career with the Denver Broncos, Colorado has remained his football home.
On March 18, after discussions with Lindsay’s representatives and the Broncos, both parties “mutually agreed to part ways.” The Broncos rescinded Lindsay’s restricted free-agent (RFA) tender to allow him to be an unrestricted free agent (UFA). New Denver General Manager George Paton used the lowest-level RFA tender on Lindsay
Lindsay’s agent, Mike McCartney, tweeted,
This decision was made hours after the Broncos signed former Minnesota Vikings running back, Mike Boone, to a guaranteed $2.6 million contract for 2021. Paton (long time Vikings executive) used the lowest-level RFA tender on Lindsay, suggesting his departure from the club.
Last season the Broncos signed Melvin Gordon to a two-year, $16 million deal with then-general manager John Elway.
“I think if John Elway was still head of football operations, Phil would still be on the Broncos,” University of Colorado student Sam Harris said.
The former Buff and 2018 Pro Bowl running back went to social media explaining his gratitude. “I’m very appreciative for my time with the Denver Broncos. As a Colorado kid, I was able to fulfill my dream of playing for my home team. I want to thank my teammates, coaches, staff and everyone involved in the Broncos organization who made this possible for me,” Lindsay wrote in his tweet.
In 2018, Lindsay’s first season with the Broncos, he put up impressive numbers for the team, totaling 1,037 yards on 192 carries accompanied with nine touchdowns. Before Lindsay, only two players in franchise history had higher yards per carry average in a season. He earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week and Rookie of the Week after his 157 yard and two touchdown performance against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13. He was the first undrafted offensive rookie in NFL history to be selected to the Pro Bowl and named to the NFL’s All-Rookie team.
Throughout his three-year career with the Broncos, he accumulated 534 carries, 2,550 yards and 17 touchdowns, good numbers for a running back on the free-agent market.
Bronco fans and CU students explain their feelings to Lindsay’s final chapter in Colorado:
“It sucks to see him go but hopefully he’ll find a better situation where he can get more playing time,” senior Justin Richardson said.
“I think it was good for both Phil and the Broncos,” junior Sam Harris said. “He’s a crazy player but with his injuries and contract being up, I don’t think the Broncos felt they needed him in their system anymore. He hasn’t really fit in their play style wither since they picked up Melvin Gordon. He’ll be picked up for sure though. I’m glad with the decision because if he stayed on the Broncos, he would’ve been underpaid. They didn’t value him a lot after they got Gordon.”
“I think that Denver honestly did him a favor and was nice to him because if they kept him he’d probably get less money. If he leaves he won’t have to be competing for touches with Melvin because he’s really good,” senior Jack Warn said.
“It sucks to see him go, but hopefully he’ll find a better situation where he can get more playing time.”– Justin Richardson, senior
“I think that Denver honestly did him a favor and was nice to him because if they kept him he’d probably get less money. If he leaves he won’t have to be competing for touches with Melvin because he’s really good.”– Jack Warn, senior
“I think it was good for both Phil and the Broncos. He’s a crazy player but with his injuries and contract being up, I don’t think the Broncos felt they needed him in their system anymore. He hasn’t really fit in their play style wither since they picked up Melvin Gordon. He’ll be picked up for sure though. I’m glad with the decision because if he stayed on the Broncos, he would’ve been underpaid. They didn’t value him a lot after they got Gordon.”– Sam Harris, junior
