Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams is entering a critical make-or-break campaign in 2024. It’s been a rollercoaster of a career for Williams, who is slated to play out the final year of his contract. It’s truly sink or swim for Williams’ tenure as a Bronco this season.
Williams enjoyed a quality rookie showing in 2021 as the No. 35 overall selection in the draft. Williams rushed for 903 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 4.4 yards per carry. All three outputs remain career-highs with Williams now entering his fourth season.
Williams appeared to hit the ground running as a sophomore in 2022. He totaled 108 scrimmage yards in a Week 1 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks. Mere weeks later, Williams suffered a season-ending torn ACL, LCL, and posterolateral corner injury.
It was a devastating setback that immediately threatened to derail Williams' career. Williams returned in 2023 to a new staff led by head coach Sean Payton. Williams appeared in 16 games but rushed for just 774 yards and three touchdowns. His 3.6 yards per carry average was a personal-low mark, and he wasn’t a great fit in Payton’s offense.
The Broncos also made changes to their running back room. Samaje Perine was signed in unrestricted free agency. Perine handled 103 total touches, including 50 receptions. Undrafted free agent Jaleel McLaughlin also emerged as a threat to Williams' playing time. McLaughlin averaged a team-high 5.4 yards per carry and recorded 31 catches. More changes have been made this summer.
General manager George Paton selected former Notre Dame running back Audric Estime with a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Estime is a pro-ready ball-carrier that rushed for 1,341 yards and 18 touchdowns this past season. Estime will carve out a role for himself.
Williams was drafted by Paton, but Vic Fangio was Denver's head coach then. The duo of Paton and Payton collaborated on the additions of Perine, McLaughlin, and Estime. That could make Williams the odd man out in a crowded rotation.
Releasing Williams wouldn't necessarily be financially rewarding, although it's not preventative either. The Broncos would save $1.8 million while inheriting a manageable dead cap charge of $951,955. You wonder if Williams' name gets floated in summer trade discussions. Perine is another underrated potential cap casualty, with $3 million available in savings via a release.
Williams will attempt to play himself into a lucrative contract, whether via extension in Denver or elsewhere in unrestricted free agency. Now more than a full campaign removed from the 2022 ACL injury, there is legitimate hope that Williams will recapture his rookie season form. The skill set that made Williams a top-40 pick in 2021 is still present.
The onus will be placed on Williams to remain healthy and productive throughout 2024. A critical training camp looms large, where Williams will attempt to out-position McLaughlin, Estime, and Perine for backfield opportunities. A career-best season feels within reach if all goes right. If Williams achieves his goals, he could match his career earnings ($8.8 million) via his next contract. It's truly make or break for Williams.
