C.J. Anderson was one of the few bright spots in what was a disappointing year for the Denver Broncos last season. The 27-year-old running back had a career year as he had 1,007 rushing yards, the first 1,000-yard rushing season since Knowshon Moreno in 2013.

But according to ESPN’s Jeff Legwold, Anderson is most likely one of the top candidates on the team to be cut this offseason due to several different factors, including the structure of his contract.

Anderson's contract is structured in such a way the Broncos could release him, with two years remaining on the deal, without any “dead money” charge against the salary cap. The team also seems intent on getting Devontae Booker into the No. 1 role. Coach Vance Joseph, somewhat surprisingly to many with the team and in the league, fired assistant head coach/running backs coach Eric Studesville after the 5-11 finish, a move Anderson was particularly critical of on social media. Add it all up and Anderson appears to be headed elsewhere.

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Another factor that will likely affect the Broncos’ decision whether to release Anderson this offseason is their quarterback situation. Denver clearly needs an upgrade at the position, but they will need to clear significant money off their cap in order to sign the much-coveted Kirk Cousins to the massive contract he’s looking for.

In Devontae Booker, the Broncos already have a ready-made replacement for Anderson on the roster. And while Anderson was very good last season, they will likely survive moving on from him and his contract, especially if it means potentially upgrading at quarterback.