A month after the Denver Broncos selected Washington running back Jonah Coleman with the 108th-overall pick, they made a major move regarding the rookie running back. The decision hints at Denver's confidence in the potential role under head coach Sean Payton.

As reported by Mile High Report, the Broncos signed Coleman to a four-year deal worth $5.636 million. The deal also includes a bonus of $1.256 million and a cap number of $1.199 million in 2026.

"Coleman isn't overly explosive, and his lack of juice is a concern, but he is an instinctive, competitive ball carrier who can absorb and bounce off tacklers," shared Dane Brugler of The Athletic. "He is an inside runner with value on passing downs, both as receiver and blocker."

With this deal, they saw the rookie as a long-term investment for their offense.

Brugler believes that Coleman is a receiver with the value of a runner, a pass catcher, and a blocker. Denver signed him because they needed depth and insurance at the running back position after the injuries affected their 2025 season.

JK Dobbins is one of the best backs in the league when he is healthy, but injuries often sideline him. Last season, in the third quarter of the face-off on a tackle from Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson, he suffered a significant foot injury with a ligament tear. It limited him for the rest of the season.

After re-signing Dobbins, if an injury occurs, Coleman will be a perfect fit.

Last season with Washington, he rushed for 758 yards and 15 touchdowns while also contributing as a pass catcher. He has fumbled only once in more than 500 collegiate carries.

He already sees high potential in Denver.

Why the Denver Broncos Feel Familiar to Jonah Coleman

Even though Coleman walks in as a rookie, Denver holds some familiarity for him. The running back suggested he may already be well-suited for the Broncos. Back in Washington, he played under Jedd Fisch, who worked together with Payton as Broncos assistants in 2008.

"Being with Jedd Fisch, he's been with Sean Payton before," Coleman said. "So they share a lot of similarities and values as far as how they run their programs and how they run the offense. So it's definitely going to be an easy transition for me."

However, despite the familiarity, a huge responsibility awaits Coleman, who joins a unit that averaged 118 yards per game. He has a real chance to earn significant playing time early in the season, especially if he proves reliable in pass protection.

Across two years at Washington, Coleman recorded a 71.1 pass-blocking grade from PFF on 182 pass-protection snaps. But he has to earn the trust since coaches are often hesitant to trust young running backs in this area.

What are your views on the Broncos' contract for Jonah Coleman? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar