Running back Javonte Williams is scheduled to hit free agency. Should the Denver Broncos bring him back or explore other options to upgrade their running backs table for 2025?

The offense made great strides in 2024 with Bo Nix at quarterback but it seems clear that a more potent running game is needed and that could take this team to the next level. Former second-round pick Javonte Williams will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason and the Broncos are not expected to bring him back.

Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox thinks the Pittsburgh Steelers would be the "perfect landing spot" for Denver Broncos RB Javonte Williams.

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams got some dubious information before he enters free agency this offseason.

Both Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin have shown glimpses of potential at times, but the former found himself deactivated in favor of the Broncos' No. 4 option, Tyler Badie, for the crucial Wildcard game. Williams is set to become a free agent, and his struggle to even reach 513 rushing yards in his contract year is a likely ticket out of town.

Linebacker Cody Barton and three other players the Broncos need to re-sign once 2025 NFL free agency begins in March

The Denver Broncos weren’t expected to be this good. They drafted a rookie quarterback in Bo Nix after parting ways with Russell Wilson. Especially in a division that featured the behemoth Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers, it was a tall task to be a playoff team.

After a dismal 2023 season, Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos decided to cut ties with quarterback Russell Wilson and draft Bo Nix, hoping he'd be a serviceable replacement.

Jan 5, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) huddles with tight end Adam Trautman (82) and offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey (69) and teammates in the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High. / Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

In Denver’s second season with coach Sean Payton as the play caller, the offense made strides but there’s still more work to be done.

The teams that continue to play in this year’s playoffs can give some clues about the answer to that question. Each has a few common denominators, beyond quality quarterback play.

From drafting a running back and linebacker to adding a veteran tight end, here are a few moves Denver could make to achieve its goal.