With the addition of quarterback Peyton Manning last season, the Denver Broncos' passing game has never looked better. However, they failed to become a fully balanced offense after none of their running backs appeared as top talent. The team is looking to get a young talent in the backfield and is reportedly showing interest in Pittsburgh Steelers' running back Rashard Mendenhall.
The Steelers are not expected to re-sign Mendenhall as they continue to work out their cap space issues. Pittsburgh is strapped for cash currently with much of their salary cap space dedicated to quarterback Ben Roethlisburger and Mendenhall is the next casualty due to the issue. The Broncos are looking for a young, physical back that can help improve the running game that never got started last season.
Denver's starting running back Willis McGahee is recovering from another major leg injury. While he is signed through 2013, at 30 he is not expected to be productive enough to be considered the No. 1 running back for the team. Knowshon Moreno and Lance Ball are all under contract as well, but could be expected to be released at some point before the season begins as Denver hopes to find new talent.
Mendenhall suffered a torn ACL at the end of the 2011 season and returned to have a disappointing 2012 season. He played in six games, rushing for a mere 182 yards and no touchdowns. He struggled with ball control issues which ultimately led to his benching with the team.
Prior to his ACL injury, he played in 15 games in 2011, rushing for 928 yards and nine touchdowns. At 25-years old, there is still a solid chance he can return to his old form and be a very productive back. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in two of his first four seasons with Pittsburgh. If he can come back 100 percent in 2013, he could be a steal for any team that picks him up. If the Broncos do end up signing Mendenhall, it would signify the end of McGahee's career in the NFL.
