With lead tailback Javonte Williams about to enter free agency, the Broncos have a glaring need to fill at RB1, and with a free agency class that isn’t exactly packed with high-end backs, options outside of the draft will be limited.
The Broncos are expected to sign Aaron Jones
As a result, Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report forecasts that Denver will sign Aaron Jones, the finest running back on the market this offseason, in free agency.
“Aaron Jones turned 30 last year,” says Sobleski, “but he proved that he still has plenty of juice by posting his fourth 1,000-yard rushing season in the last six seasons.
Despite nearing the dreaded age plateau for running backs, Jones is still the finest option available. Jones just will not have the negotiating power to demand a long-term contract. Instead, he is now a hired gun.
A strong ground game is always advantageous for a quarterback. The Broncos do not have a ball carrier who accumulated more than 500 yards last season. Javonte Williams is slated to leave for free agency.
Jones represents an instant and major upgrade. He provides Sean Payton, the head coach and offensive play-caller, an Alvin Kamara-like weapon that can be deployed in both phases. Denver may then take advantage of a good incoming running back class by selecting a long-term option to learn from Jones.
The Broncos will be wary to re-sign Javonte Williams after he failed to live up to his promising rookie season, when he rushed for 903 yards at 4.4 yards per carry and produced only 1500 yards over the next three years.
Given that the team already has strong, but not outstanding, depth options in 2023 undrafted free agent Jaleel McLaughlin and last year’s fifth-round draftee Audric Estime, Williams appears to be unsuitable for even a reserve role in Denver.
Should the Broncos prioritize drafting a running back instead?
With 2025 being a good year for running backs in the draft, it makes sense that the organization would not want to waste and misallocate resources on a back in free agency, especially one who is now 30 years old.
Jones, who recently had the best statistical year of his career in Minnesota, does not appear to be done yet. And, with a projected next contract worth of just over $5.5 million (though it will most likely be slightly higher in reality), Denver has the ability to add a still-productive, experienced veteran to an otherwise ultra-young running back room.
With more than $40 million in cap space and few pressing starters to re-sign aside from nose tackle DJ Jones, Denver can afford to take a chance on a known commodity like Jones.
Even if Jones signs a contract in March, it stands to reason that the team could target the running back position in the first two days of the draft. With multiple high-level backs expected to be available on Day 2, the Broncos may find themselves double-dipping at a critical position, finally providing Bo Nix with the run game support he requires to thrive in the passing game.
Leave a Reply