Steelers Urged to Pursue Broncos’ Projected $20 MIllion RB…

In professional sports, contracts often hinge on future potential rather than past achievements. This sentiment applies to free agent running back Javonte Williams, who spent the first four years of his career with the Denver Broncos. According to Spotrac, Williams is projected to secure a three-year, $20.7 million contract in free agency.

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Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox lists Williams among the NFL’s top free-agent running backs, suggesting the Pittsburgh Steelers could be an ideal landing spot. While the move might surprise some fans, it could provide Williams a fresh start after a lackluster 2024 season where he averaged just 3.7 yards per carry and failed to reach 1,000 rushing yards.

“Javonte Williams could be the biggest wild card of the 2025 running back market,” Knox wrote. “The 24-year-old showed tremendous potential as a rookie in 2021, finishing with 1,219 scrimmage yards despite making only one start. Pittsburgh’s run-heavy offense under Arthur Smith could help Williams regain his footing while providing the Steelers with a cost-effective complement to Jaylen Warren, especially if they decide to move on from Najee Harris.”

However, not everyone is sold on Williams’ value. Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay urged teams to avoid him, citing inconsistent production since his rookie season and a torn ACL in 2022. Over the last two seasons, Williams managed just 774 rushing yards in 2023 and 513 in 2024, averaging 3.6 and 3.7 yards per carry, respectively. Fellow Broncos running backs Jaleel McLaughlin and rookie Audric Estimé both outperformed him, raising questions about his ability to return to elite form.

With Williams’ future uncertain, the Broncos are expected to target a running back in the 2025 NFL Draft. Boise State star Ashton Jeanty, the 2024 Heisman runner-up, is a fan favorite after amassing 2,601 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns while averaging 7.1 yards per carry last season.

If the Steelers don’t secure Williams, other potential suitors include the Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings, as noted by Knox. NFL teams can begin negotiating with free agents on March 10, with signings officially starting on March 12.

Williams remains a polarizing figure, but the Steelers could take a calculated risk to add depth and versatility to their backfield.