Broncos General Manager George Paton leaves the door open for a potential Javonte Williams return

Denver Broncos General Manager George Paton left the door open for a potential Javonte Williams return to the Broncos.

Javonte Williams looked like a special back. The former second-round pick was known for his bruising running style and carrying piles of players for extra yards when most backs would be stopped. Unfortunately, a serious knee injury in 2022 vs. the Raiders changed everything and he has not been the same back since.

While he did return from this injury MUCH earlier than expected, he appears to have lost a step and lost the powerful running style he had prior to this injury. This past season, he spent most of the season as the starter but was demoted to mostly third-down pass-blocking duties late in the season. Now, with his contract expiring, most assumed Williams would sign elsewhere and the Broncos would look to add and improve their backfield this offseason. Well, General Manager George Paton left the door open for a potential Javonte Williams return.

When meeting with reporters at the Combine on Tuesday, Paton said there is a chance they bring back Javonte Williams this offseason and called him one of the very best pass blockers in the league.

“There’s a chance we bring Javonte back. I think Javonte’s one of the best pass protectors in the league. I think he’s still young and he’s still ascending, another year removed from the injury.

While Javonte has struggled as a runner, he has proven himself as a pass blocker. We saw him in there on third downs throughout the year and helped keep quarterback Bo Nix clean in the pocket. Coaches like Sean Payton value pass blocking and Javonte gives you that at a high level. Most rookie running backs enter the league lacking this skill so having a veteran on the roster who can do that could be beneficial and allow the rookie back to develop that third-down skill set.

Sean Payton also used Williams a lot in the passing game the past two seasons. He has been targeted 128 times through two seasons and totaled 128 receptions for 574 yards and 7 touchdowns. While not explosive, he has been a trusted check-down target for Payton and the Broncos quarterbacks.

If he was brought back on a cheap one-year deal and the Broncos still added a running back or two in the draft, I would not be upset. I do not want Williams in the starting role but if he was your trusted third-down back, I wouldn’t be too upset about it.

So, what do you think Broncos Country? Should the Broncos bring back running back Javonte Williams or is it simply time to move on?