Where in the world is Knowshon Moreno? After a breakout season with the Denver Broncos, the running back is a free agent and receiving little to know attention on the market. With running backs like Rashad Jennings and Ben Tate officially signed to new teams, where does that leave Moreno who was assumed as the best available when free agency began. The Denver Broncos are not bringing him back so where does the star land?
One thing is for sure, the door has closed for Moreno to return to the Denver Broncos. Team president John Elway noted that Moreno would test the free agent market and the two sides have not negotiated a possible return. The team has been on a free agent spending spree since the market opened up, but with Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman on the roster with fresh legs, there is little to no urgency to get Moreno back under contract.
With the Broncos out, where could the running back land? It is likely that contract demands are playing a part in the small amount of interest in Moreno. However, 2013 proved the running back is worth a big contract. Moreno put up 1,600 yards from scrimmage, including 548 yards passing. Considering how little the Broncos ran the ball, that is impressive.
The Miami Dolphins are the leading candidate to bring on Moreno. If the Dolphins do not make a run on him, their ground game will not improve. The team tried a young backfield last season that resulted in one of the worst running offenses in the league. After losing Reggie Bush to the Detroit Lions, the team needs to make a splash with a marquee back. The Dolphins averaged just 90 rushing yards per game last season. With Tate and Jennings signed, Miami needs to sign Moreno and fast before the market heats up.
If the Dolphins fail to make a move, the Raiders could easily be in play. Oakland was forced to re-sign Darren McFadden after losing Jennings. Given the other needs the team must address in the draft, signing a player like Moreno would be an instant offensive upgrade. The Raiders have money to spend and should use it on an offensive performer given the uncertainty surrounding their quarterback situation.
A dark horse to sign Moreno could be the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team has Le'Veon Bell who did well in his rookie season as an aggressive back. However, Moreno could be a better change-of-pace player given his success as a receiver as well. He would certainly add another dimension to Pittsburgh's offense that struggled last season. However, Moreno will want to be the star back, something he would not be able to do with the Steelers.
Moreno will not sit on the market much longer, but it is a shock he is still unsigned at this point. With free agency in its second week, how much longer does the running back go without a deal?
