That tendency should continue as the Broncos look to place their starters in the best possible position to succeed, whether it’s incumbent Jarrett Stidham, trade acquisition Zach Wilson, or rookie first-round selection pick Bo Nix.
The largest remaining question mark is along the offensive line.
Both starting tackles and guards return. However, the centre position is in limbo as previous third-round pick and 17-game starter Lloyd Cushenberry left for free agency.
“With the expectation Denver coach Sean Payton will hand over the offensive keys to rookie quarterback Bo Nix, adding a proven veteran in [Connor] Williams to the interior line should be on the table,” Matt Bowen of ESPN wrote on May 20. “Yes, Williams tore his left ACL last season, but prior to the injury, he had a pass block win percentage of 93.9% (would have ranked just outside the top 10 centres if qualified).
“Williams compensates for his lack of power and ability to anchor with the movement skills required to play as a positional blocker. He’s also good in space, using positive angles to cut off opponents. If Williams is cleared to go this summer, I like the possible move.”
Connor Williams might help bolster the Broncos’ offensive line.
Williams, 26, was a second-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2018. He signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Miami Dolphins in 2022, and he started all 17 games that season.
His injuries cut his season short after only nine games. He still has the greatest offence grade of his career, according to Pro Football Focus, and has played in every game for the last three seasons.
Williams has earned $21 million during his career.
If he signs, Spotrac predicts he will command a two-year, $16.5 million contract. That would consume the majority of the Broncos’ existing $8.4 million cap space, according to Spotrac.
Sam Mustipher joins 2022 fifth-round pick Luke Wattenberg and 2023 seventh-round pick Alex Forsyth on the Broncos’ roster. They might give Broncos brass time to assess the issue and determine whether Williams is necessary.
This would also give Williams more time to heal.
Connor Williams Williams suffered a significant knee injury. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, would not clarify whether Williams intends to return to play.
“So Connor suffered a serious knee injury. “It was a serious knee injury,” Rosenhaus told Josh Moser on March 18. “So, he is taking his time with his rehabilitation. I don’t believe he has any plans to join with the Dolphins or any other team right now. I believe he is focused on his medical problem — getting healthy — and then assessing where he stands at that point. So, it’s unlikely that Connor Williams will sign with an NFL team anytime soon.
“I believe it is something more that we will have to monitor during the offseason. I don’t view it as an immediate future event. But I believe it’s rather fluid. And we will check in with Connor on a regular basis to see what he is thinking and feeling.”
With no updates on Williams’ status, the Broncos may keep his name on file for later.
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