Broncos reportedly interested in Rashard Mendenhall

The Denver Broncos are interested in free-agent running back Rashard Mendenhall, according to the Denver Post. The Dolphins are also reportedly interested in the back, who is heading into his fifth year as a pro.

Mendenhall, 25, would fit as an ideal replacement for the aging Willis McGahee, who missed the latter part of the 2012 season after fracturing his right leg and tearing a ligament in the same knee.

For his part, Mendenhall, too, is coming off knee surgery after tearing his left anterior cruciate ligament late in the 2011 season. Mendenhall never came around in 2012, rushing only51 times for 182 yards in six games.

CBSSports.com's Jason La Canfora reported last month that Mendenhall was unlikely to re-sign with the Steelers.

The Broncos have other needs -- namely at cornerback and, depending on what happens with Elvis Dumervil, defensive line -- but Mendenhall would be an ideal back to complement the likes of Ronnie Hillman.

Before his injury-plagued 2012 season, Mendenhall was one of the premier backs in the league, averaging better than 1,100 yards a season over a three-year span.

For more NFL news, rumors and analysis, follow@EyeOnNFL on Twitter, subscribe to ourRSS Feed, watch Pro Football 360 daily at 3 p.m. ET and NFL newsletter. You can also follow Evan Hilbert @evanhilbert.