Will the Broncos bring in RB Steven Jackson?

(Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

The NFL’s 2013 free agent signing period will begin on March 12.  The NFL Draft will take place on April 25-27.

Before building through the draft, the Denver Broncos will look to plug some holes in free agency, including at the running back position.

On Tuesday, the Denver Post‘s Mike Klis wrote that he expects the team to go shopping for a RB next month:

Age (31), injury, and a $2.5 million salary in 2013 make Willis McGahee vulnerable. The Broncos will shop for a running back. And I believe they will look first for a veteran free agent with tread on his tires because pass protecting Peyton Manning is a high priority for a Broncos running back.

At this point, McGahee seems to be expendable and behind him, the Broncos have two smaller backs in Knowshon Moreno and youngster Ronnie Hillman. Denver will probably go after a power back, and one of them is expected to hit the open market.

To add size to the backfield, the Broncos should give the St. Louis Rams‘ Steven Jackson a long, hard look.  According to Rotoworld, Jackson (6’2″, 240 pounds) is due to make $7 million this season but has the option of voiding his contract and testing the free-agent market, which he is expected to do.

Klis has already linked Jackson to the Broncos and CBS4‘s Vic Lombardi has also suggested that the team may go that route.  Your move, Broncos.

More notes and links after the jump.

It sounds like left tackle Ryan Clady is planning to go on a mini-hold out if he does not receive a contract extension.  On Tuesday, he told ESPN Radio in Denver (via PFT) that he would not sign his franchise tag “right now,” but that if he is unable to work out a deal with the team over the summer, he would “eventually” sign; just not today.

Over at the official site, Chris Hall has a video featuring the Best of Pregame Sound from last season.

This year, 334 players were invited to the NFL’s Scouting Combine (drills begin on Saturday).  The Denver Post has pointed out that most—if not all—of Denver’s draft class will be on display during the combine.  However, it should also be noted that two years ago, Chris Harris Jr. was not invited to the combine or drafted.  There are always athletes out there waiting for a chance. This weekend, over 300 will get theirs.

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