With free agency around the corner, the Denver Broncos must decide on who to let walk just as much as who to sign and re-sign.
USA Today Broncos Wire writer Jon Heath suggests Broncos running back Javonte Williams as a player to let walk in free agency. Williams rushed for 513 yards and four touchdowns on 139 carries last season, and he could command $6.9 million annually on the open market. That would be a substantial annual increase from his current four-year, $8.86 million rookie deal with the Broncos.
"He's only 24 years old and an excellent blocker in pass protection, but Williams has not regained his pre-injury form as a runner," Heath wrote. "Denver can add younger, cheaper options in the NFL draft."
A former second-round pick out of North Carolina, Williams rushed for 903 yards and four touchdowns on 203 carries as a rookie in 2021. Williams tore his ACL in 2022, and he hasn't rushed for more than 774 yards in a season since.
A couple of possibilities exist at running back for the Broncos in the draft with the No. 20 pick. Dane Brugler of The Athletic floated North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton as a possibility, but Heisman Trophy finalist and Boise State running back Ashton Jeantry could be on the board at that point, too.
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This story was originally published March 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM.