The Denver Broncos announced Tuesday that the team has matched the offer sheet running back C.J. Anderson signed with the Miami Dolphins as a restricted free agent.

Anderson now returns to the Broncos under the terms of the reported four-year, $18-million deal he initially received from Miami last week.

The relatively significant contract, which puts him in the top 10 among running backs in terms of annual average salary, all but ensures that the 25-year-old will have a featured backfield role going forward.

Anderson excelled when given the opportunity over his first three years with the Broncos, compiling an impressive average of 4.8 yards per carry.

The Dolphins, meanwhile, will likely now continue their search for a starting-caliber running back elsewhere. After losing Lamar Miller to free agency, finding a strong complement to second-year back Jay Ajayi has evidently become a top priority.