Denver Broncos release running back C.J. Anderson
The Denver Broncos have released starting running back C.J. Anderson.
Although he rushed for 1,007 yards last season and is only 27 years old, Anderson was informed by general manager John Elway prior to the Broncos’ offseason-opening team meeting this morning that he was getting let go.
He had two years at $4.5 million each year left on his contract but none of that money was guaranteed. The Broncos not only saved money by releasing Anderson, they opened up playing time for Devontae Booker and De’Angelo Henderson.
It is believed the Broncos will also take a running back with one of the eight picks they have within the first five rounds.
Broncos running back C.J. Anderson runs past Chiefs defenders Ramik Wilson, left, and Eric Murray for five yards and a first down at the KC 34-yard line during the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
FILE – In this Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, file photo, Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) runs for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Denver. In what could be a bounce-back season, Denver swept its first two home games, including a romp past Dallas. They head to Buffalo on Sunday, not the toughest place to play, especially in September, but an away game nonetheless. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) is stopped by Washington Redskins linebacker Zach Vigil (56) and defensive tackle Matthew Ioannidis (98) during the first half an NFL football game in Landover, Md., Sunday, Dec 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) is brought down by New York Jets defensive end Kony Ealy (94) as the Denver Broncos beat New York Jets 23-0 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Sunday December 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette).
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) is brought down by a swarm of the Jets defense as the Denver Broncos beat the New York Jets 23-0 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Sunday December 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette).
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) is dragged down by Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Jordan Evans (50) at Mile High Stadium on Sunday, November 19, 2017. The Bengals defeated the Broncos 20-17. (The Gazette, Nadav Soroker)
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson, middle, is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers free safety Tre Boston, right, and strong safety Jahleel Addae during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
FILE – In this Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, file photo, Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) runs for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Denver. In what could be a bounce-back season, Denver swept its first two home games, including a romp past Dallas. They head to Buffalo on Sunday, not the toughest place to play, especially in September, but an away game nonetheless. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson, middle, is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers free safety Tre Boston, right, and strong safety Jahleel Addae during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) is stopped by Washington Redskins linebacker Zach Vigil (56) and defensive tackle Matthew Ioannidis (98) during the first half an NFL football game in Landover, Md., Sunday, Dec 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Broncos running back C.J. Anderson runs past Chiefs defenders Ramik Wilson, left, and Eric Murray for five yards and a first down at the KC 34-yard line during the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)