The Carolina Panthers or New Orleans Saints may make sense for Broncos trade candidate running back, Javonte Williams before the regular season. A Bleacher Report article says that Denver could move on from the player after having plenty of talent in the backfield. This is interesting considering that the Broncos could put him as RB1 this upcoming season but the North Carolina product was able to finish last year with 217 carries for 774 yards and three touchdowns. He was still able to lead the talented backfield despite tearing his ACL a year earlier but the former second-rounder could be in a new uniform since the running backs behind him could be overwhelming for him.
However, the emergence of Jaleel McLaughlin and the selection of Audric Estime could make Williams expendable. Samaje Perine and Blake Watson remain on the roster as notable names so the Broncos could avoid the risk of trading him later since he went through a knee injury in 2022. It will likely come down to Perine and Williams competing for the last spot in the backfield but it shouldn’t surprise anyone if the Broncos decide to put him on the trading block. Despite his underwhelming performance in 2023, he should be able to find a trade partner this season if he doesn’t get enough snaps.
The Panthers don’t need a running back as their biggest need but with Rashaad Penny retiring and Miles Sanders as a cut candidate, it leaves Chuba Hubbard and rookie Jonathon Brooks. The rookie isn’t beating out Hubbard so it’s safe to trade for Williams if they cut Sanders. It’s the same story for the Saints except Dennis Allen has been calling out Kendre Miller who’s supposed to be the No. 3 running back behind Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams.
Panthers, Saints May Make Sense for Broncos Trade Candidate Javonte Williams
Other Potential Trade Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are counting on the running game this season, especially with how the wide receiver depth on paper is fabricating. Jim Harbaugh believes in their offense of running the football and it’s clear he’s heading towards that way after drafting Joe Alt and signing Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins. However, they don’t have a clear runner that is capable of dealing with a heavy workload so that means a guy like Williams can handle the stress. Edwards and Dobbins are fine short-term options but given their injury history, Harbaugh might eventually have to overhaul the backfield.
Joshua Kelley seems like the long-term threat to many defenses but you never want to depend on someone who’s never been able to get a full-season as a starter. Williams will not overtake the backfield but he’s a safe insurance bandage that can put a little faith in protecting Herbert and running the football.
Kansas City Chiefs
Isiah Pacheco could use some insurance behind to ensure the stability of the backfield for Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs are one hit away from disaster and they can’t afford someone like Clyde Edwards-Helaire to take over. Edwards-Helaire is a fine short-term option but no one should depend on him especially knowing the issues he’s dealing with off the field. Williams is one step and team away from greatness and his addition with Kansas City could pay off to avoid mishap.
He probably won’t live up to long-term expectations but it’s better insurance than nothing to ease the stress for Pacheco.
Baltimore Ravens
It’s trouble to think about John Harbaugh believing that Derrick Henry can carry the backfield like a workhorse. No one should put all of the responsibility on just one running back especially when you have a backup like Keaton Mitchell on the PUP list. Justice Hill has been nothing but a journeyman so that’s out of the question but a Javonte Williams will give Henry a clearer vision on the field. Williams would most likely take advantage of this opportunity and stay on the roster longer than Henry since he’s on a two-year deal.
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