Less than a year ago, the Broncos were said to be leaning toward opening the 2024 season with Jarrett Stidham – who was entering the second year of a two-year, $10MM deal – as their starting quarterback. The subsequent acquisition of Zach Wilson via trade may not have changed that plan, but the selection of Bo Nix in the first round of the 2024 draft certainly did.
Nix, of course, beat out both Stidham and Wilson for the QB1 job, and he piloted Denver to a 10-7 record and a postseason appearance. After his impressive rookie showing, the Broncos are no longer in need of a starting signal-caller, though the club will need to address the other QB spots on the depth chart since Stidham and Wilson are both out of contract.
Stidham, 28, is amenable to a Denver return, as Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette writes. While the free agent quarterback market will feature some high-profile names (Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, etc.), those players come with their share of question marks, and this year’s QB draft class is considered a weak one. As such, Stidham – who still sees himself as a starter-caliber player – could theoretically get a look elsewhere to compete for a QB1 role.
If such an opportunity does not materialize, however, the Broncos may be his best landing spot given his familiarity with the offense and relationship with Nix (who says the Patriots draftee has been a key part of his development). Unsurprisingly, Tomasson believes Wilson — who was not active for any games in 2024 — is unlikely to be retained.
The same goes for running back Javonte Williams. Although the free agent-to-be recently expressed his desire to remain with the Broncos, Tomasson says the 2021 second-rounder will probably not get his wish.
Williams’ performance as a rookie seemed to put him on track to operate as the lead running back for the Broncos over the long term, as his 2021 timeshare with Melvin Gordon appeared to be a temporary arrangement. Unfortunately, the ACL and LCL tears Williams suffered in 2022, which limited him to four games that season, altered his career trajectory.
While the North Carolina alum tallied a career-high 217 carries in 2023, he posted just 3.6 yards per carry, and his efficiency remained a problem in 2024 (3.7 YPC). He also shared the load with 2023 UDFA Jaleel McLaughlin and 2024 fifth-rounder Audric Estime, both of whom remain attached to rookie deals. Williams did offer much more production in the passing game than his younger counterparts (52 catches for 346 yards), but McLaughlin and Estime outperformed him in the running game in terms of per-carry average.
Per Tomasson, the Broncos will seek out a true RB1 in free agency or the draft.
Dolphins should take a look at Zach. Javonte could land anywhere from cowboys to bills to panthers in a depth role
Not sure I see Javonte going to the Panthers. They already have Chuba, rookie Brooks, and I believe Sanders still has a few years unless he is cut. Bills have Cook, rookie Davis was decent, so MAYBE he’d go there for 2nd string job. Definitely think Dallas should take a look. Dowdle is a FA and Javonte would at worst be splitting carries with him if they bring Dowdle back. Other options imo would be PIT (depending on what they do with Warren & Harris who are both FAs) or MIN (depending on what they do with Jones & Akers who are both FAs).
Panthers makes sense because sanders was a dud all last year and this year except for his 2 TD game vs falcons to end season
I mean I agree Sanders was terrible, but unless they cut him I don’t see them giving that much to yet ANOTHER RB with multiple other holes to fill. Plus I just don’t see Javonte trying to go somewhere that he is almost assuredly the 2nd option at best, and possibly 3rd option when Brooks is back.
He’s a free agent. They can’t literally sign him for a one year peanut contract
Just because he is a free agent, doesn’t mean they’ll get him for free lol. If he is a smart RB he will either try to revive his value on a 1 year contract somewhere that he is the main guy or will be getting 50%ish of the carries, or sign a long term deal that locks in more money. Neither of which do I see the panthers doing. I can see them offering 1 year like $3M (counting a Sanders cut as $3M, would mean Javonte’s effective cost is $6M), but I just don’t see him signing for that little. Even if that is all that other teams are offering, they would most likely come with a larger role in sight. They just re-signed Chuba to a 4 year deal and he went for 1300+ AP yards. Unless Javonte just wants to be closer to home, I honestly don’t see him signing with the Panthers unless they put up a decent sized contract offer.
Javonte won’t be expensive lmao
Won’t be surprised if the Steelers take a flier on Wilson. Especially seeing the report of them wanting to keep fields, and add another qb with a similar skill set. Albeit, Wilson is leagues more talented arm wise than fields, they both offer a similar play style.
I could also see Zach in Miami or Seahawks. Have him get reps with Howell to compete for QB2 behind Geno and run a complimentary offense scheme
The Steelers should be smart enough to know that taking “flyers” on QBs is destined to be a failed venture if no effort is made to upgrade the OL.
I meant for depth. All their QBs are free agents they need to fill roster up