As first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Denver Broncos have traded running back Kapri Bibbs and a 2017 fifth round pick (177 overall) for the 49ers 2018 fourth round pick. Bibbs was signed by Denver as an undrafted free agent in 2014 after setting a single-season rushing record at Colorado State and becoming on the the third player in FBS history to score 30 touchdowns in a season.
Denver trading RB Kapri Bibbs and 5th-round pick to SF for 49ers 4th-round pick in 2018.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 29, 2017
Out of college, the Chicago native decided to stay in the state of Colorado, signing with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent. Despite the odds against him, Bibbs made the team in 2014, signing onto the Broncos practice squad.
In 2015, Bibbs won the Super Bowl as an active member of the Denver Broncos, playing in his first active game. Bibbs looked to finally carve out significant playing time in 2016 after another year in former head coach Gary Kubiak’s offense.
Bibbs saw significant playing time in 2016, seeing action in 12 regular season games. Bibbs saw his playing time increase when starter C.J. Anderson was lost for most of the season with an ankle injury and fourth round rookie DeVontae Booker also suffering a shoulder injury.
In his increased role, Bibbs looked like a much-improved player than he did coming into the league undrafted in 2014.
In week 10, he took a simple catch and scampered 69 yards for a touchdown on Sunday Night Football against the rival Oakland Raiders. Against the Jacksonville Jaguars in week 13 of the 2016 season, Bibbs started the game hot, rushing for 49 yards on five carries.
Unfortunately, he suffered a high ankle sprain and was placed on injured reserve, ending his 2016 season.
The 49ers, who are thin at running back depth themselves, are getting a player who appeared ready to break out for the Broncos before going down with an injury.
Despite coming into the draft with a need at the running back position (and playmakers in general) the Broncos appear confident in the tandem of Anderson and Booker heading into the 2017 season to shoulder the majority of carries for their offense.
