Getty
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard.
The Denver Broncos may want to be careful not to put all their eggs in the Jonathan Taylor basket when pursuing a running back before the NFL trade deadline on November 10.
Especially not when another equally effective — and more cost-effective — running back might be available in Tennessee Titans star Tony Pollard.
Pollard has quietly become one of the NFL’s most effective running backs in recent years and is on pace to rush for over 1,000 yards for the fifth straight season in 2026, with 595 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns in 8 games.
He is also in the final season of a 3-year, $21.75 million contract, compared to Taylor, who signed a 2-year, $44 million contract extension in August.
“Pollard, who signed with the Titans in free agency in 2024, is on an expiring contract,” writes Daniel Popper of The Athletic. “He’s gotten most of the work in the Tennessee backfield from (Tyjae) Spears. Pollard is a veteran doubles hitter with some vision. He’s dependable in pass protection. Pollard has the potential to be a supplemental piece in a running back rotation.”
Price For Jonathan Taylor Looks Irreplaceable
The price for Taylor could rise to the point where the Broncos may have to reconsider their pursuit — recent reports say the Colts want the same return for Taylor that the San Francisco 49ers received when they traded to the Carolina Panthers for All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey in 2022.
That means the Broncos will give up four draft picks — 2nd round, 3rd round, 4th round, and 5th round — to get Taylor. Which seems like too much, especially when a player like Pollard is available.
Another Option … Take On The Broncos’ Current Trio
What the Broncos missed in trading back is that the franchise has struggled to build their backfield over the past two years and perhaps they should just stick with the plan they already have in place — a three-headed monster of veteran JK Dobbins, 2nd-year standout RJ Harvey and rookie Jonah Coleman.
While Harvey is on injured reserve for at least 3 more games, he is expected to return. If Dobbins can get over being second fiddle to Harvey for now, the Broncos could be cooking.
Against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8, the Broncos rallied after trailing by 11 points in the fourth quarter for a 28-24 win, and Coleman led the way. The 2026 4th-round pick led the Broncos in both rushing (43 yards, 1 touchdown) and receiving (4 receptions for 63 yards).
Coleman was at his best in the fourth quarter, reeling off a 50-yard catch-and-run to set up his 5-yard touchdown run — what would be the game-winner.
“I believe the Broncos may have found their running back,” said CBS Sports play-by-play analyst Jim Nantz. “Jonah Coleman is a revelation.”
“Jonah Coleman needs to stay a Bronco as long as possible,” wrote Broncos fan Jeremy Nicolls on X. “That guy is amazing!!!”
Tony Adam covers the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Francisco 49ers, and the entire NFC East Division. A veteran sports writer and editor since 2004, his work has been featured in Stadium Talk, Yardbarker, NW Florida Daily News and Pensacola News Journal. More about Tony Adame