The Broncos used a low-round tender on restricted free agent running back C.J. Anderson, according to an NFL source.

The tender gives him $1.671 million for 2016 and gives the Broncos the right to match any offer sheet Anderson might sign with another team. It they don’t match, they will not receive compensation.

The low tender comes as a bit of a surprise for Anderson, 25, who signed with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent from California and became a starter midway through the 2014 season.

Anderson started seven games in 2014 and rushed for 849 yards and eight touchdowns to earn his first career Pro Bowl selection.

In 2015, Anderson split snaps with running back Ronnie Hillman, but started Super Bowl 50 and rushed for the team’s only offensive touchdown in the 24-10 victory over Carolina.

Anderson finished his third NFL season with 720 rushing yards on 152 carries (4.74 average) with five touchdowns.

The Broncos also were likely to place a second-round tender worth $2.553 million on inside linebacker Brandon Marshall. Like Anderson, Marshall can sign an offer sheet from an opposing team and the Broncos would have the right to match. But if they choose not to, they would receive a second-round draft pick as compensation.

Last season, while playing with a broken screw in his foot from Lisfranc surgery, he finished second on the team with 101 tackles (73 solo).

Nicki Jhabvala: njhabvala@denverpost.com or @NickiJhabvala