Buffaloes in the NFL: Phillip Lindsay mutually agrees to part ways with Denver Broncos

Running back Phillip Lindsay and the Denver Broncos have mutually agreed to part ways, per an announcement on Thursday.

The former Colorado standout signed with the team as a free agent in 2018, becoming the first undrafted offensive rookie to ever make the Pro Bowl. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in his first two years.

Lindsay’s time as the “hometown” favorite comes to an end with the Broncos unwilling to commit with a long-term deal. Less than 24 hours after they signed running back Mike Boone in free agency, Lindsay’s representatives and the Broncos agreed the best course was to rescind the team’s low-ball offer of a restricted free-agent tender and for Lindsay to become a free agent.

This is the second-straight year the Broncos have chased a running back in free agency after signing Melvin Gordon to a two-year, $16 million deal in 2020. It prompted Lindsay to start the negotiation process with then-general manager John Elway, who balked several times at making Lindsay’s situation a priority.

Lindsay posted on social media Thursday morning saying, “I’m very appreciative for my time with the Denver Broncos. As a Colorado kid, I was able to fulfill my dream of playing for my home team. I want to thank my teammates, coaches, staff and everyone involved in the Broncos organization who made this possible for me.’’

Lindsay finished last season with 502 rushing yards and one touchdown in a limited supplemental role. He has 3,015 yards from scrimmage with 18 touchdowns over the past three seasons.