The Denver Broncos' NFL season ended in disappointment this past winter when the team lost to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Divisional round.

Peyton Manning had a torn quad muscle, and the Broncos lost their only home game of the season to Andrew Luck and the Colts.

With Manning now 39 years old, and the team losing tight Julius Thomas to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Broncos have to improve their running game to provide a balanced attack.

Here are five NFL free agent running backs the Broncos could consider signing this offseason:

1. Stevan Ridley

Last season was tough for Stevan Ridley with the New England Patriots. Midway through the season he tore his ACL against the Buffalo Bills, and he never returned. Ridley, a former third round draft pick, is visiting with the New York Jets. When healthy, Ridley is a good all around back with a lot of playoff experience. Denver can get Ridley for a short-term low cost contract if they want him. A two-year contract with no more than $4 million guaranteed would be the longest expected deal.

2. Peyton Hillis

Signing Peyton Hillis would be purely for strengthening an offense and giving Manning more time to throw. Hillis isn't a great runner, and certainly doesn't have world class speed. However, Hillis is a good blocker for a running back who won't cost a lot, and he previously played for the Broncos for two seasons. Signing Hillis wouldn't hurt the Broncos salary cap at all. Denver could bring him for a workout to see what he has left, and let him go before the season starts if they don't like what they see. Hillis did run for 1,177 yards in 2011 with the Cleveland Browns.

3. Knowshon Moreno

Why not? Knowshon Moreno helped guide the Broncos to a Super Bowl appearance just a year ago when he ran for 1,038 yards and 10 touchdowns. He knows the system, and he can thrive with Manning making defenses respect Denver's passing game. He suffered a torn ACL last season with the Miami Dolphins, but he could be worth signing if the Broncos can get him cheap.

4. Chris Johnson

It's been a while since Chris Johnson amazed fans with his amazing runs. He's definitely lost some of his blazing speed, but Johnson is still capable of beating defenders to the outside. Even last season, Johnson averaged 4.3 yards per carry with the Jets. Johnson has eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark in six of the last seven seasons. With C.J. Anderson dominating between the tackles, Johnson could be a valuable piece in a two-back system to add speed to the outside.

5. Ahmad Bradshaw

After six seasons with the New York Giants and another two with the Colts, Ahmad Bradshaw is currently a free agent. Bradshaw is an underrated back who helped the Giants win two Super Bowls against the New England Patriots, each of which he was the leading rusher in. A very underrated and consistent back, Bradshaw averages 4.6 yards per carry in his career. Bradshaw also very quietly had six receiving touchdowns last season, and he's still just 29 years old.

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