Denver Broncos sign RB Cody Schrader

Cody Schrader's signing earns a C Contract Value Index (CVI) — a middle-tier contract bet that reflects modest upside constrained by depth-chart risk and limited guaranteed security. At $1.075M on a one-year deal, the Broncos are investing spare cap dollars in a replacement-level running back depth piece, which is appropriate stewardship given the low financial commitment and short-term nature of the pact. The real question isn't whether Denver overpaid in absolute dollars — they didn't — but whether a depth signing moves the needle for a team sitting at 14-3 and the AFC's top seed heading into the regular season, where roster depth matters far less than proven starter availability and playoff durability. Schrader slots in as a low-upside, low-risk contributor; if injuries force him into rotation work, the Broncos' playoff ceiling depends on scheme fit and game script, neither of which is transparent from this transaction alone. The CVI grade reflects that this is smart, conservative cap management during an offseason window, but it's not a value steal or a strategic masterstroke — it's exactly what a front office does when it has a roster already positioned to compete and only marginal dollars left to deploy.