Rj Harvey

Career StatsC-

Year	Team	GP	Yards	TD	YPC
Career		17	540	7	3.7
2025		17	540	7	3.7

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

This A-grade CVI deal represents a legitimate steal for Denver, locking up serviceable starter production at well below market rate for four years. Harvey's $1.8M AAV sits in bargain territory for a running back who's proven capable of handling starter duties, making this one of the more savvy backfield investments this cycle. At his age, the Broncos are buying into his prime years while avoiding the typical premium that comes with proven NFL production. The $4.7M in guaranteed money provides reasonable security without handcuffing the franchise, and the four-year structure gives Denver flexibility to either extend or move on based on performance. Denver just secured a foundational piece of their ground game at a fraction of what comparable talent typically commands, turning what could have been a costly position fill into a roster-building advantage that frees up capital for other needs.

Performance Analysis

RJ Harvey enters the NFL as an intriguing developmental back for Denver, though his early returns suggest a steep learning curve ahead. Earning a C- overall grade as a rookie, Harvey sits well below the production threshold most franchises expect from contributors at his position. For context, even modest rookie backs like Tony Pollard and Raheem Mostert averaged closer to 4.5 yards per carry in limited early roles. Harvey's 3.70 yards per carry trails the NFL average of 4.10 significantly, and his 31.8 rushing yards per game is nearly half the league average of 55.0. The one genuine bright spot is his touchdown efficiency — 0.41 rush TDs per game actually edges the NFL average of 0.35, suggesting real red-zone instincts. However, his overall volume and efficiency numbers paint the picture of a rotational back struggling to carve out consistent yardage against base defenses. His 2025 season grade of D is a concern, but rookie backs frequently show dramatic improvement between Year 1 and Year 2 once the game slows down. Watch for whether Denver's offensive staff commits to expanding his role in situational packages, where his TD rate could blossom. If Harvey can nudge his yards-per-carry toward the 4.1 league average while maintaining that red-zone production, a legitimate backup role is well within reach.

Current Sentiment

RJ Harvey enters the 2026 season as a depth running back whose roster standing has been complicated by the Denver Broncos' active pursuit of backfield reinforcements in the NFL Draft. The selection of Jonah Coleman has injected genuine uncertainty into Harvey's role, with analysts openly questioning how the carries will be distributed in a crowded room that also includes J.K. Dobbins. Head coach Sean Payton's recent comments on Harvey were notably noncommittal, generating more speculation than confidence among the fan base and media observers. There is a modest positive thread in the coverage, as some analysts have highlighted Harvey's potential as a situational weapon and X-factor in specific matchups, suggesting he retains some upside in the right context. Overall, the prevailing media narrative frames Harvey as a player fighting for relevance rather than a locked-in contributor, making his path to meaningful snaps in 2026 a genuine open question heading into training camp.