Broncos, RJ Harvey agree to terms on running back’s rookie contract
The Broncos have their 2025 draft class locked up.
Running back RJ Harvey agreed to contract terms Thursday, a source confirmed, after the majority of NFL second-round picks delayed signing to negotiate for more guaranteed money.
Harvey will have a standard four-year rookie deal with a slot value of $7.36 million — including a $1.99 million signing bonus. The Broncos guaranteed 47.7% of Harvey’s salary in Year 3, according to 9News reporter Mike Klis.
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Harvey, the No. 60 overall pick, joined a large number of rookies Thursday who agreed to contracts. The potential holdout stemmed from Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger (No. 33 overall) and Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins (No. 34 overall) becoming the only second-round picks in NFL history to sign fully guaranteed deals.
“I want to make an immediate impact in this league,” Harvey told reporters during rookie minicamp.
Harvey is now eligible to participate in training camp after rookies reported on Wednesday to Broncos Park. The 5-foot-8 and 205-pound running back combined for 2,993 yards rushing with 38 touchdowns over his final two seasons at Central Florida.
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“He’s strong and he’s explosive,” said Gus Malzahn, the former UCF head coach, in an April interview with The Denver Gazette. “That maybe is an advantage. … He’s got unbelievable lateral quickness. He’s got great vision. He’s a patient runner. He’s a tough guy. He’s durable. He catches the ball extremely well out of the backfield.”
The Broncos overhauled running backs room includes Harvey and free agent signing J.K. Dobbins. Denver also returns Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin. Veterans report to training camp on Tuesday.
(Contact Gazette sports columnist Paul Klee at paul.klee@gazette.com or on Twitter at @bypaulklee.)