Not long ago, the NFL community — especially fantasy football managers — considered Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams the next big thing.
Vikings Named a Landing Spot for Prominent RB
But because of an injury in his rookie season, plus the Broncos’ relentless commitment to a running-back-by-committee approach, Williams may join a new NFL team this March in free agency after never fully taking off in Denver.
And his next team might just be the Minnesota Vikings, says Bleacher Report.
BR’s Kristopher Knox sized up landing spots for the league’s top free agents to be, and for Williams, Minnesota made the cut.
“Pittsburgh could be the perfect landing spot for Williams. He’d have a chance to reestablish himself in Smith-s run-first offense, while the Steelers would get a suitable complement to Jaylen Warren, possibly at a fraction of the cost of re-signing Harris,” Knox wrote Monday. “The Chiefs may consider Williams if they don’t retain Hunt, and the Vikings could be interested even if they do re-sign Jones. Minnesota running backs coach Curtis Modkins held the same role in Denver during Williams’ rookie season.”
The Vikings employed three running backs in 2024: Aaron Jones, Cam Akers, and Ty Chandler. Jones played rather admirably, tallying north of 1,500 yards from scrimmage with 7 touchdowns. Akers, too, served as an adept RB2. Chandler was demoted to RB3 by the season’s end.
“Williams’ next contract will hinge heavily on whether teams believe he can recapture his 2021 form. He has a projected market value of $6.9 million annually, though that actually feels high given his recent production. A one- or two-year deal in the $3-4 million-per-year range is probably more realistic,” Knox added about Jones’ impending free agency.
“The dip in production could be a product of the 2022 injury, or Williams may simply not be the best fit for Sean Payton’s offense. Either way, a change of scenery would probably be best for Williams.”
Denver has signaled its intent to afford more carries for rookie running back Audric Estime, plus others like Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie, and seems rather unlikely to re-sign Williams. In that case, Williams will hit open free agency and jaunt to the highest bidder.
Williams banked 859 yards from scrimmage in 2024, with 4 touchdowns on 191 total touches.
The Vikings may be in the market for a new running back if Jones leaves via free agency. Although, it’s worth noting that Jones has stated a couple of times that he’d like to retire with the purple team.
If Minnesota doesn’t re-sign Jones and says no to Williams via free agency, other tailbacks, like Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, and Rico Dowdle, are scheduled to hit the open market.
Williams will turn 25 in April.
Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah could also draft a running back, as this year’s class is considered extraordinarily deep.
Williams is known as one of the best pass-blocking halfbacks in the business.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.