After four years with the Denver Broncos, impending free agent running back Javonte Williams will likely continue his career with a new team in 2025. A second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the North Carolina product began his career on a promising note by recording 903 yards and four touchdowns while working in a timeshare with Melvin Gordon. Taking over the starting job in 2022, Williams had a chance to establish himself as one of the league’s more promising youngsters.
Unfortunately, Javonte Williams suffered a season-ending ACL and PCL injury after just four games. While he returned to the field in 2023, he never found his pre-injury form. Over the past two seasons, the running back has averaged just 3.6 yards per carry, although he has shown some promise as a pass-catcher. According to Chris Tomaasson of the Denver Gazette, Denver plans on moving on from the homegrown talent and will pursue a true starting running back in either free agency or the NFL Draft.
Report: Broncos Will Move On From Javonte Williams
Javonte Williams looked like a starting-caliber back early in his Broncos career, but those days are likely gone. Even though he’s only entering his age-25 season, the fact the running back didn’t improve in 2024 is worrisome. However, he can still have a role in the NFL. As mentioned above, Williams has played well in the passing game and finished the 2024 season with 52 receptions for 346 yards and a 63.7 PFF grade, the 30th-best mark among 63 eligible players.
Reliable receiving backs are more valuable than ever in today’s pass-happy NFL, and Williams should find work as a third-down back with some rushing upside on the off chance a change of scenery brings out his pre-injury form. Looking across the league, the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Chargers make the most sense as potential destinations.
Possible Team Fits
The New Orleans Saints extended Alvin Kamara, but the five-time Pro Bowler is at his best in a committee. Unfortunately, he’s had to be a three-down workhorse over the past few seasons, as New Orleans has struggled to find an adequate RB2. Jamaal Williams struggled away from the Detroit Lions, and third-round pick Kendre Miller cannot stay on the field.
New Orleans is currently $54 million over the projected salary cap, which means the team probably cannot afford a top running back on the open market. Javonte Williams could be the perfect buy-low candidate, as the former Broncos running back shouldn’t earn much more than the league minimum. Just 25 years old, Williams should sign a one-year deal to try and re-establish his value and hit the market again in 2026.
Nobody believes in the power of the run game more than Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh. Last year, Los Angeles made the playoffs with the duo of J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards leading the backfield. Dobbins played well when healthy, but could leave as a free agent. Edwards, meanwhile, disappointed and couldn’t play up to his contract.
The Chargers will probably upgrade the position with a big-name free agent or high-end prospect from the stacked running back draft class. however, that shouldn’t stop them from stealing Javonte Williams from the Broncos. Running back is an injury-prone position, and Los Angeles could use another set of legs in this backfield. Williams will need to fight for his roster spot, but he should be talented enough to beat out Edwards for a backup job.
Main Photo: Gregory Fisher – USA Today Sports
