Troy Renck of The Denver Post says he believes RBs Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine are competing for a roster spot this summer.
Renck: "Rookie Audric Estime is making the team. And if he shows up and shows out, Williams’ footing becomes slippery. The room sets up as Estime, Jaleel McLaughlin, and the music humming with one chair remaining for Williams and Perine."
Williams vs. Perine seems a bit odd, given that Williams played the clear lead role last year, with Perine acting primarily as a third-down back. He trailed Williams by just 2 targets last year (58-56) despite carrying 164 fewer times (217-53).
Of course, it's also worth noting that this "news" is merely one writer's opinion. We have no way to know just how much Renck is basing this belief on.
We do know, however, that Williams is coming off an inefficient season following his 2022 knee injury.
We also know the Broncos drafted Estime after an impressive three-year run at Notre Dame (6.2 yards per carry). And we heard plenty of spring buzz around McLaughlin, who flashed exciting ability as a rookie.
Even if Williams loses a roster competition this summer, we'd bet on Denver finding a trading partner over cutting the former second-round pick. He's in the final year of his rookie contract and thus quite affordable.
That said, failing to stick with the Broncos certainly wouldn't bode well for Williams' 2024 outlook in general.
This summer will matter for Williams' longer-term outlook as well.
He turned just 24. So his original team quitting on him at that age before the end of his rookie contract would be a bad sign.
Of course, we could still get to September and find Williams starting for the Broncos. This is very much a wait-and-see situation.
Estime would likely be the biggest winner should Williams not make the regular-season roster in Denver. The available touches would obviously also help McLaughlin.
Perine? Don't expect more than a handcuff-level role for him anywhere.
It's also worth noting that Renck's article didn't mention undrafted rookie RB Blake Watson. We'll see whether he factors into the 2024 roster plan.
Expect the Denver backfield situation to be fluid throughout the summer. Check our RB rankings for updates before you draft.
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