The Denver Broncos cut several big-name veterans throughout the offseason, and running back Javonte Williams could be the next big name on the chopping block. Selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the running back led the Broncos backfield in 2023 despite tearing his ACL one year earlier. Appearing in 16 games while making three starts, the North Carolina product finished the season with 217 carries for 774 yards (3.6 yards per carry) and three touchdowns while adding 47 receptions for 228 yards and two touchdowns on 58 targets.
These numbers leave a lot to be desired, and recent reports indicate that the running back is not improving in his second year with Sean Payton. With Jaleel McLaughlin the clear frontrunner to start, Troy Renck recently posted an article stating that Williams and fellow running back Samaje Perine are battling for one roster spot. The Broncos will cut Javonte Williams if he can’t win that competition, and the Chiefs and Chargers could land him if that happens.
Per @TroyRenck of the Denver Post, Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine appear to be in a battle for one roster spot this training camp.
“The room sets up as Estime, Jaleel McLaughlin and the music humming with one chair remaining for Williams and Perine.”
A ton of fantasy… pic.twitter.com/MymGzyBGRN
— Kyle Yates (@KyleYNFL) July 20, 2024
Broncos Could Cut Javonte Williams – Chiefs, Chargers Should Be Interested
If Javonte Williams can’t make the Week 1 cut with the Denver Broncos, then it’s safe to assume he’s not good enough to start for any of the other 31 teams. However, he could land a job as a backup, and the Chiefs could use some insurance behind Isiah Pacheco. The former seventh-round pick has overcome the odds to establish himself as the top option in this backfield, and Williams’ presence won’t change that. However, the Chiefs have no depth behind Pacheco, so Williams should have a clear path to the backup job.
The Chiefs are one bad hit away from Clyde Edwards-Helaire leading the backfield as the team looks for their third Super Bowl in as many seasons. Running back is one of the least important positions in the game, but a contender like Kansas City should look for better depth for one of the most injury-prone positions in football. Javonte Williams might not play up to his draft capital, but the cut candidate is more than capable of easing Pacheco’s workload and taking over in the event of injury.
Chargers Chase Depth
Nobody believes in the power of the run game more than Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh. After signing Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins, parting ways with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, and passing on Malik Nabers for offensive tackle Joe Alt, it’s clear that the former Michigan head coach is putting his money where his mouth is. This team will run the ball early and often, but they don’t have a running back capable of handling a full workload.
Edwards is a fine short-yardage option, but his relatively underwhelming athleticism puts a cap on his ceiling. Dobbins, meanwhile, is coming off a torn Achilles, which is historically a kiss of death for running backs. The only other notable back on the roster is sixth-round pick Kimani Vidal, and you never want to put too much faith into a Day 3 rookie. Javonte Williams won’t overtake this backfield, but the cut candidate could fit in as a key part of this three- or four-headed backfield in an offense that will run the ball early and often.
Main Photo: Isaiah J. Downing – USA Today Sports
