Broncos' Anderson 'felt disrespected' by low-round tender

C.J. Anderson is returning to the Denver Broncos after the club matched an offer sheet from the Miami Dolphins, but he doesn't seem entirely thrilled to rejoin the defending champions.

The Broncos placed a low-round tender on Anderson ahead of free agency, meaning they would not receive compensation if he signed with another club. Miami presented Anderson with a four-year, $18-million contract and Denver matched it Tuesday, retaining the running back.

Anderson said he was irked by the Broncos' decision to place a tender on him instead of reaching a new contract ahead of free agency.

"I felt disrespected, of course, but that's what put me in the position I'm in today. You know, always grinding and always working hard for that opportunity," Anderson said in an interview with ESPN's "NFL Live."

The veteran running back said the Chicago Bears offered him the best deal financially, but felt confident he'd be able to produce in the Broncos' and Dolphins' systems.

"Being low-tendered from the beginning, you just never know what is going on. If it was about the money, I would have went to Chicago because they actually offered more. It was more about me putting myself in the best situation system-wise. I know I can do it with (Broncos coach Gary) Kubiak and I knew I could do it other there with (Miami Dolphins coach Adam) Gase."

With the Broncos preparing for another deep playoff run despite losing several core pieces, Anderson may be motivated to prove that he's an essential part of the club's offense.