Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports activities.
Not way back, the NFL neighborhood — particularly fantasy soccer managers — thought of Denver Broncos operating again Javonte Williams the subsequent large factor.
Vikings Named a Touchdown Spot for Outstanding RB
However due to an harm in his rookie season, plus the Broncos’ relentless dedication to a running-back-by-committee strategy, Williams might be part of a brand new NFL crew this March in free company after by no means totally taking off in Denver.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports activities
And his subsequent crew would possibly simply be the Minnesota Vikings, says Bleacher Report.
BR’s Kristopher Knox sized up touchdown spots for the league’s prime free brokers to be, and for Williams, Minnesota made the minimize.
“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.”
Matt Krohn-Imagn Pictures.
The Vikings employed three operating backs in 2024: Aaron Jones, Cam Akers, and Ty Chandler. Jones performed moderately 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 finish.
“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 company.
Matthew Hinton-Imagn Pictures
“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 extra carries for rookie operating again Audric Estime, plus others like Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie, and appears moderately unlikely to re-sign Williams. In that case, Williams will hit open free company and jaunt to the best bidder.
Williams banked 859 yards from scrimmage in 2024, with 4 touchdowns on 191 whole touches.
The Vikings could also be out there for a brand new operating again if Jones leaves through free company. Though, it’s price noting that Jones has acknowledged a few occasions that he’d prefer to retire with the purple crew.
If Minnesota doesn’t re-sign Jones and says no to Williams through free company, different tailbacks, like Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, and Rico Dowdle, are scheduled to hit the open market.
Williams will flip 25 in April.
Vikings common supervisor Kwesi Adofo-Mensah may additionally draft a operating again, as this yr’s class is taken into account terribly deep.
Williams is called probably the greatest pass-blocking halfbacks within the enterprise.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the College of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his each day YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The present options company, evaluation, and opinion on all issues associated to the purple crew, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates again to 1996. Listed responsible pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doorways (the band). He follows the NBA as carefully because the NFL.
All statistics offered by Professional Soccer Reference / Stathead; all contractual data offered by OverTheCap.com.
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