The Ravens and Chargers may pursue Broncos impending free-agent running back Javonte Williams next offseason in free agency. According to one source, Denver seems to be contradicting itself as they’re not sure which backfield piece they should commit to. After Williams’ latest benching, head coach Sean Payton put him back in as the frontrunner ahead of Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin. Williams may be outperforming the other running backs but the moves that the Broncos are doing this season should be a concern for his future.
If they can’t clarify what they will do, it may be easier to let Williams walk this incoming free agency to focus on Estime and McLaughlin. Originally selected in the 2021 NFL Draft, the North Carolina product had a promising rookie after recording 1,219 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. However, injuries have been slowing him down before he can ever become a consistent running back which got him out of the spotlight. The Denver Broncos have a heavy rotation of running backs so this spells bad news for Williams who is looking to rejuvenate his career.
Williams could put on an excellent campaign this season to prove to other teams that he has a lot of juice to give. There will be plenty of teams wanting his depth services so it shouldn’t be too long before he signs a significant deal. He could be his rookie self again by signing with the Ravens, Chargers next offseason who are two contending teams that can bring out his shine.
Ravens, Chargers May Pursue Broncos Impending Free Agent Javonte Williams
Helping Henry
The Baltimore Ravens probably have one of the most ferocious offenses in the last decade after signing Derrick Henry. He currently leads all other running backs in rushing yards so it seems like the Ravens’ offense is something that is working out for the Pro Bowler. Even though they’re seeing much of this season from Justice Hill as well, they could use another runner in the backend to reduce the heavy workload. Hill is more of a flashy player who can catch those quick dump-offs when Lamar Jackson is facing the pressure of the opposing defense.
Keaton Mitchell is back but he hasn’t been doing anything spectacular enough to persuade the Ravens that he’ll be a permanent backup. Baltimore has the right scheme and offensive line for Williams to thrive in the ground game behind this team. Williams doesn’t need to be special coming in off the rip but he has the right speed to replicate what he was hoping to accomplish in Denver. If anyone can jumpstart Williams’ resurgence, it’s Jackson who can create plays for him to get involved.
Running with Harbaugh
Meanwhile, there’s at least one Harbaugh that loves to run the football in this league. Even though it’s been almost nonexistent the past three weeks, the ground game has been paying off for J.K. Dobbins after punching it in for the game-winner against the Bengals. Dobbins is a useful gadget that could create separation and find his holes behind a stellar offensive line. However, Gus Edwards continues to face injury issues which may lead to his release or at least in a third-string role next season.
Since the Chargers are constructing a legitimate offensive line after drafting Joe Alt, they could bring in someone like Williams to share the workload. The Chargers are a dark horse candidate to dethrone a top contending team so they have that momentum in their stride. Chances are, they will likely be a first-round exit with a few growing pains to get through before they become an AFC heavyweight. Adding Williams to the backfield could be the building block to something greater next season for Los Angeles to look forward to.
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