Running back Javonte Williams is not only in danger of losing his starting job, but one team report believes that he could be cut. A second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Williams showed promise as a rookie with a 900-yard campaign during his inaugural season. Unfortunately, injuries limited him to just four games in 2022 and he never looked quite right in 2023. Appearing in 16 games while making 13 starts, the running back averaged just 3.6 yards per carry during his first year under head coach Sean Payton. He also made an underwhelming impact in the passing game, averaging a measly 4.9 yards per reception.
Undrafted free agent Jaleel McLaughlin, meanwhile, made more of his opportunities. Making three starts while appearing in all 17 games, the Youngstown State product finished the year with 410 rushing yards on 76 attempts (5.4 yards per attempt) while adding an additional 160 yards and 31 receptions. He appeared to be a more natural fit for Payton’s offense, and offseason practices reportedly confirm what we saw last year. According to Broncos reporter Cecil Lammey, McLaughlin appears to be the starter and the team could cut Javonte Williams.
"The top Denver RB looks like Jaleel McLaughlin…will Javonte Williams even make the team?"
– Broncos Reporter @CecilLammey pic.twitter.com/3ZXPbHpWFA
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) June 13, 2024
Despite his underwhelming 2023, Javonte Williams should be able to find work if the Broncos cut him. While he might not earn a starting job, teams like the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs should be willing to bring him in as a backup.
Ravens, Chiefs Could Pursue Javonte Williams If Cut
The Baltimore Ravens have one of the league’s best all-around running backs in Derrick Henry. Unfortunately, they don’t have too much behind the 31-year-old running back with over 2,000 professional carries to his name. Keaton Mitchell is struggling to return from injury, and Justice Hill is nothing more than a journeyman backup. Javonte Williams might not be a superstar, but even the 2023 version of the cut candidate would be the second-best running back on this roster. He should be more efficient in Denver, as defenses devote a sizable portion of their attention to stopping Lamar Jackson.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, have a reliable starter in Isiah Pacheco and not much else. Clyde Edwards-Helaire has proven time and time again that he doesn’t have what it takes to handle a featured workload, while Keontay Ingram and Deneric Prince are nothing to write home about. Javonte Williams isn’t good enough to steal Pacheco’s job, but the cut candidate would easily be the second-best running back on this roster.
After sharing a division with him for the past three seasons, Andy Reid should have a good idea of what Williams brings to the table and could quickly bring him in and incorporate him into the offense. After all, Kansas City is going for their third Super Bowl in as many seasons, and they could use as much depth as possible to ensure they make history. With Jerrick McKinnon off the roster, the Chiefs could use a veteran to fill the backup void, and Williams should relish the opportunity to play for a legitimate contender and face off against his old team twice a year.
Main Photo: Isiah J. Downing – USA Today Sports
