The Broncos have not had a 1,000-yard rusher since Phillip Lindsay in 2019. Bo Nix ranked third on the team in rushing yards in 2024.
The Denver Broncos averaged 112.2 rushing yards per game in 2024, which ranked right near the middle of the NFL, 16th out of 32 teams.
The Broncos continued their five-year streak of not having a 1,000-yard rusher as Javonte Williams led the team in carries (139) and yards (513). He tied with rookie quarterback Bo Nix in rushing touchdowns (four) and he ranked second behind Nix (41) with 30 carries that picked up first downs.
The team’s second-leading rusher was Jaleel McLaughlin with 496 yards, one touchdown and 25 first downs. Nix ended up third in yards (430). Behind him was rookie Aurdic Estime, who totaled 310 yards, two touchdowns and 15 first downs on the ground.
Tyler Badie (86 yards) made the most of his limited action as his 7.8 yards per carry average ranked first on the team, beating out Nix (4.7), McLaughlin (4.4) and Estime (4.1).
Broncos receiver Marvin Mims also got reps at running back and he ended the year with 42 rushing yards and three first downs on 13 carries. Up next was rookie Blake Watson (10 yards on four carries), followed by receiver Troy Franklin (eight yards) and fullback Michael Burton (eight yards).
The tenth and final Denver player to tote the ball in 2024 was backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who ended the year with five rushing yards.
Broncos leading rushers 2024
Javonte Williams: 513 yards
Jaleel McLaughlin: 496 yards
Bo Nix: 430 yards
Audric Estime: 310 yards
Tyler Badie: 86 yards
Marvin Mims: 42 yards
Blake Watson: 10 yards
Troy Franklin: 8 yards
Michael Burton: 8 yards
Jarrett Stidham: 5 yards
Williams only averaged 3.7 yards per carry in 2024 and he’s set to become a free agent in March, so the Broncos will likely look to add at least one running back this offseason. NFL free agency will begin in March followed by the NFL draft in April.
Bills WR Mack Hollins was fined for taunting Broncos CB Pat Surtain on Sunday. Denver RB Javonte Williams also received a large fine.
The NFL handed down fines to six players following the playoff game between the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos last weekend.
Notably, Bills wide receiver Mack Hollins received a $11,255 fine for taunting. Hollins was penalized after he made a catch and pushed Pat Surtain’s head and then stepped over the cornerback:
Hollins received a second $6,736 fine (also for taunting), bringing his total to $17,991. Elsewhere for the Bills, Reid Ferguson ($11,255) was fined for taunting, Damar Hamlin ($6,083) was fined for unsportsmanlike conduct and Taron Johnson ($14,305) was fined for unnecessary roughness.
As for the Broncos, running back Javonte Williams ($45,020) received a big fine for unnecessary roughness (using his helmet) and linebacker Justin Strnad ($7,250) was also fined for unnecessary roughness.
Williams ($45,020) now finishes as the team’s most-fined player from the 2024 season, followed by safety P.J. Locke ($41,916), defensive lineman Malcolm Roach ($36,579), safety Brandon Jones ($28,138), pass rusher Nik Bonitto ($17,582), Cooper ($12,668), cornerback Pat Surtain ($11,255), fullback Mike Burton ($7,653), Strnad ($7,250), center Luke Wattenberg ($5,872), tight end Lucas Krull ($5,083), running back Blake Watson ($4,463) and safety Devon Key ($4,417).
The money the league receives from fines is “donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation to support Legends in need and the NFL Foundation to further support the health, safety and wellness of athletes across all levels,” per the NFL.
NFL draft pundit Dane Brugler thinks RB Ashton Jeanty could fall to the Broncos in the 2025 NFL draft.
The Denver Broncos‘ 2024 season came to an end on Sunday with a 31-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs. Attention now turns to the upcoming offseason in Denver.
The Broncos currently hold seven picks in the 2025 NFL draft, including the 20th overall pick in the first round. One of the team’s top needs this offseason is an explosive running back, and the best RB in the 2025 class might be available when Denver goes on the clock.
NFL draft pundit Dane Brugler of The Athletic tweeted on Sunday that he “won’t be surprised” if Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty reunites with former high school teammate Marvin Mims of the Broncos this spring.
When a fan pushed back that Jeanty “isn’t falling that far,” Brugler suggested that the running back might drop further than he should on draft day.
“It’s possible,” Brugler said of Jeanty potentially falling to Denver. “His talent says he shouldn’t fall. But only so many teams in the top-18 will seriously consider him.”
It’s possible. His talent says he shouldn’t fall. But only so many teams in the top-18 will seriously consider him.
Jeanty finished second in Heisman Trophy voting in 2024 behind Colorado receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter. The 21-year-old running back is coming off a remarkable junior season in which he rushed for 2,601 yards and scored 30 total touchdowns.
Jeanty would be a great addition to Sean Payton’s offense in 2025, and with Javonte Williams scheduled to become a free agent, the Broncos will likely look to add a running back this offseason. The 2025 NFL draft will be held in Green Bay from April 24-26.
The Broncos’ season has come to an end. Here’s what we learned from Denver’s 2024 campaign.
The Denver Broncos crashed out of the NFL playoffs with a 31-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday afternoon, ending their postseason run in the first round. With the season now wrapped up, here’s a quick look at ten takeaways from 2024.
1. Javonte Williams is probably done in Denver
(Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images)
Williams, who will turn 25 in April, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March. After rushing 217 times for 774 yards last season, Williams saw his carries drop to 139 in his second year under coach Sean Payton. His 3.7 yards per carry average was only slightly better than last season (3.6), and Payton seemed to prefer Jaleel McLaughlin down the stretch. Williams is a good blocker, but it’s hard to imagine the Broncos re-signing him this offseason. Payton will likely want to add a dynamic running back to the backfield in 2025.
2. Pat Surtain should win Defensive Player of the Year
(Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Surtain had a brilliant season, allowing a league-low 306 passing yards among qualified cornerbacks. PS2 also grabbed four interceptions, including a 100-yard pick-six. After earning first-team All-Pro honors, Surtain seems like a near-lock to win the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year award. Pass rusher Nik Bonitto also turned in a brilliant season with 13.5 sacks and a pair of defensive touchdowns.
3. Denver found a perfect role for Marvin Mims
(The Enquirer/Albert Cesare / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Mims made the Pro Bowl as a returner in his rookie season, but he was barely utilized on offense. That changed this year as Payton found creative ways to get Mims involved, including reps at running back. Mims ended the year with 39 receptions for 503 yards and six touchdowns plus 13 carries for 42 yards. He also made the Pro Bowl again after leading the NFL with 15.7 yards per punt return in 2024. Mims is an all-around weapon for Denver.
Allen had a career year with with 75 pressures, 61 tackles, 40 quarterback hits, 8.5 sacks, one pass breakup and one safety in 16 games. Allen only being a fourth alternate for the Pro Bowl was an absurd snub, demonstrated by the Associated Press naming him a second-team All-Pro.
5. Courtland Sutton was great, but the Broncos need more at WR
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)
Sutton posted career highs in receptions (81) and receiving touchdowns (eight) this year, and his 1,081 yards were just 31 shy of his career high. It was a strong year for the team’s No. 1 receiver, but Denver needs to add more playmakers at the position in 2025. Too many receivers (Sutton included) dropped passes this season, and Mims was the only WR on the team who was a big-play threat every time he touched the ball. Whether it’s through free agency or the draft (or both), the Broncos need to upgrade the position.
6. Vance Joseph had a strong season overall
(Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)
There were, of course, bumps in the road, and the unit did not end the season on a strong note, but Joseph’s defense had a good year overall. The Broncos’ defense ended up ranked eighth in takeaways (25), seventh in yards allowed per game (317.1), third in points allowed (18.3) and first in sacks (63), posting a new franchise record. Joseph is now a head coach candidate, but it remains to be seen if he’ll land a promotion in 2025. Fans who look at the season-long picture will appreciate the job Joseph did, especially considering…
7. Denver needs to upgrade linebacker and safety
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
P.J. Locke is a quality nickelback and a very good No. 3 safety, but he was often a weak link in coverage as a starter during the 2024 season. The Broncos need to add a starting-caliber safety to play across from Brandon Jones in 2025. Denver also needs to add at least one starting inside linebacker, preferably one that excels in coverage. Cody Barton and Justin Strnad are both scheduled to become free agents and Alex Singleton will be coming off ACL surgery in 2025. Joseph needs better personnel, especially at LB and S.
8. Bo Nix had one of the best rookie seasons ever
(Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Nix struggled early in the season before taking huge strides. He ended the year with 29 passing touchdowns, second-most among rookies in NFL history. Nix broke all of Denver’s major rookie passing records and his seven games with multiple touchdowns and no turnovers are an NFL rookie record. Nix is also the first rookie QB to ever post multiple games with 300 passing yards, four touchdowns and a passer rating above 140. Additionally, Nix made plenty of plays on the ground, finishing third on the team with 430 rushing yards while tied for first with four rushing scores (and he caught a TD pass this year, too). Nix had his share of rookie growing pains, but it’s clear that the Broncos have found their guy at quarterback.
9. Sean Payton did more with less
(Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images)
Going into the season, the Broncos had an over/under win total of 5.5, and their roster was ranked dead last in the NFL. Denver was also hindered by a $53 million dead money salary cap hit after releasing QB Russell Wilson. Despite those obstacles, Payton went 10-7 and made the NFL playoffs with a rookie quarterback under center. It certainly wasn’t a perfect season — and Payton wasn’t without blame for some of the losses — but it was a huge step in the right direction. Payton snapped the team’s eight-year losing streak and nine-year playoff drought in Year 2. Now with a full selection of draft picks and a lot more salary cap space, it’s fair to expect the Broncos to take another step forward under Payton in 2025.
10. The Broncos are trending up
(Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images)
Despite being a young team, Denver produced five All-Pros, three Pro Bowlers and a whopping eight Pro Bowl alternates in 2024. The Broncos gave extensions to guard Quinn Meinerz, cornerback Pat Surtain, outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper and left tackle Garett Bolles in 2024, setting Nix up for success going forward. Nix still has three seasons left on his rookie contract, plus a fifth-year option for the 2028 season. With an impressive young core of players and a promising QB on a rookie contract, Denver has a legitimate chance to make noise sooner than later. The future looks bright in Denver.
The Broncos have 19 players scheduled to become free agents in 2025, including RB Javonte Willams, DL D.J. Jones and QB Zach Wilson.
After falling to the Buffalo Bills 31-7 in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs on Sunday, the Denver Broncos have have now entered offseason mode.
The Broncos have 19 players scheduled to become free agents this spring, including 13 players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents in the spring, according to OverTheCap.com.
The team’s list of UFAs includes running back Javonte Williams, defensive lineman D.J. Jones, inside linebacker Cody Barton and both backup quarterbacks: Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson.
Denver also has a restricted free agents in long snapper Mitchell Fraboni, plus five exclusive rights free agents, including slot cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian. Here’s a quick list of the team’s 19 pending free agents, with the RFAs and ERFAs noted.
Broncos 2025 free agents
DL D.J. Jones
QB Zach Wilson
QB Jarrett Stidham
LB Cody Barton
CB Tremon Smith
RB Javonte Williams
P Riley Dixon
LB Justin Strnad
OL Matt Peart
CB Levi Wallace
LB Zach Cunningham
FB Michael Burton
WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey
LS Mitchell Fraboni (RFA)
TE Lucas Krull (ERFA)
OLB Dondrea Tillman (ERFA)
DB Devon Key (ERFA)
DL Jordan Jackson (ERFA)
CB Ja’Quan McMillian (ERFA)
The NFL’s 2025 negotiating period will run from March 10-12 ahead of the official start of NFL free agency on March 12.
Scheduled to become a free agent in March, running back Javonte Williams wants to re-sign with the Broncos.
After wrapping up the final year of his rookie contract, Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent when the NFL’s new league year begins in March.
Williams, 24, would like to re-sign with the Broncos.
“I’d love to be in Denver (next season),’’ Williams said during a recent interview with the Denver Gazette‘s Chris Tomasson. “I love the coaches. I love the city, my teammates. I love everything about it but I understand it’s a business and however it shakes out, I just got to do what I got to do.”
Williams rushed 39 times for 513 yards and four touchdowns this season while adding 52 receptions for 346 yards. His 3.7 yards-per-carry average was the second-worst of his career, but Williams remained the team’s best blocking and receiving back in 2024.
The Broncos currently have four running backs under contract for the 2025 season: Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime, Blake Watson and Tyler Badie. Denver seems likely to add a running back in 2025, but it remains to be seen if the club will attempt to re-sign Williams.
Elsewhere on the pending free agent front, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham also told Tomasson that he would “for sure” like to return in 2025, but he’s still focused on the 2024 season.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time (in Denver), but I really haven’t given it much thought,’’ Stidham told Tomasson. “So we’ll see whenever that time comes.”
Fellow backup quarterback Zach Wilson is also scheduled to become a free agent in March, so the Broncos will have interesting decisions to make at QB this spring.
Bo Nix pitched a ball backward to a player behind him, but momentum carried the ball slightly forward. Should the NFL allow such a lateral?
Late in the second quarter of Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix escaped the pocket and ran downfield before lateraling the ball to running back Javonte Williams, who went 20 more yards before being tackled out of bounds.
It was an impressive (and entertaining) play, but after review, the lateral was ruled an illegal forward pass. Williams was clearly behind Nix when the QB pitched the ball, but the QB’s speed and momentum carried the ball about a yard forward before the running back grabbed it out of the air.
“I didn’t think I was going to be able to get out of bounds in the two minutes, and Javonte was giving probably too much effort where he could have been behind, but he was trying to lead block for me, and I could have gone around,” Nix said after the game. “[I] was just trying to get out of bounds at that point. Unfortunately, it was just momentum. It was a forward pass, but we got the field goal out of it.
“[I’ve] got to finish that drive or two and get a touchdown when we have the opportunity again. That was a missed pass on my part. [It was] just fun at that point. You’re just doing what you can to [do] whatever you believe is the best decision in that moment to get closer to the end zone.”
Many fans and pundits took to Twitter/X in disapproval of the NFL’s rule.
Apparently the NFL doesn’t believe in physics.
Bo Nix throws a lateral while running 15 mph… oh, gasp, but not the ball!
Newsflash: velocity is a thing. It was a lateral. Clear as day.
That Bo Nix lateral is exactly what I’m talking about. Dude makes a great play and laterals the ball to the guy behind him and now we are reviewing? Like wtf is that? It’s too damn much man https://t.co/Xve8Vxb3w0
Unlike rugby, the NFL rule does not take into account if the pitching player initially tosses the ball backward. Only the football’s landing zone matters — it must end up as a “backward pass” — so Nix’s toss did not count.
Should the league consider amending the rule to allow for Sunday’s scenario where momentum carries the ball forward even though the receiving player is behind the pitching player? Let us know your take on Twitter: @TheBroncosWire.
These players might be playing their final game with the Broncos on Sunday.
The Denver Broncos will aim to clinch a spot in the NFL playoffs with a win (or tie) against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. If they don’t beat the Chiefs, the Broncos’ season could end in Week 18.
Whenever their season does end, the Broncos will have 13 players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents in the spring, according to OverTheCap.com.
The list of UFAs includes running back Javonte Williams, defensive lineman D.J. Jones, linebacker Cody Barton and both backup quarterbacks: Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson.
Some of those players might not return in 2025, so if Denver does not make the playoffs, Sunday could be their final game with the Broncos.
Broncos 2025 free agents
DL D.J. Jones
QB Zach Wilson
QB Jarrett Stidham
LB Cody Barton
CB Tremon Smith
RB Javonte Williams
P Riley Dixon
LB Justin Strnad
OL Matt Peart
LB Zach Cunningham
FB Michael Burton
WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey
The NFL’s 2025 negotiating period will run from March 10-12 ahead of the official start of NFL free agency on March 12.
1. Javonte Williams has been demoted: It seems that Williams has been fully demoted to a passing-down blocking role. Jaleel McLaughlin led the team with 10 carries for 69 yards on Saturday and Audric Estime was up next with nine carries for 24 yards. Williams did not get a single carry, but he did turn to targets into a pair of receptions for zero yards. Expect a similar rotation next week.
2. Riley Moss seemed rusty: After sitting out three games with a knee injury, Moss was back in the lineup on Saturday, but he didn’t look 100% (it probably didn’t help that he took a hit to the head early in the game). While Pat Surtain limited Ja’Marr Chase to three receptions for 27 yards, Moss allowed Tee Higgins to haul in seven receptions for 101 yards and two scores, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Higgins repeatedly beating Moss essentially decided the game. “Sometimes you eat a (sh-t) sandwich and you’ve got to own it,” Moss said after the loss.
Two extremely related stats, both via @NextGenStats:
Patrick Surtain was over Ja’Marr Chase on 43 of 56 coverage snaps (77%). Chase was 3 for 27 on 6 targets when covered by Surtain
Tee Higgins against Riley Moss (25 snaps): 8 targets, 7 catches, 101 yards, 2 scores
3. Sean Payton should have gone for two: With eight seconds left in the game, Payton opted to kick an extra point and play for overtime instead of going for two and attempting to secure a win and clinch a playoff spot. Payton justified it by saying Denver only need a tie to clinch a postseason berth, but the decision backfield when Cincy scored a touchdown in OT (a predictable outcome given their high-powered offense). Payton won’t admit it, but he made the wrong decision.
4. Bo Nix blew it, twice: Nix had a chance to win the game twice on Saturday. The first opportunity came when Surtain forced and recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter, giving the offense the ball near midfield with just over five minutes remaining in a tie game. Instead of leading a go-ahead scoring drive, Nix promptly threw an interception, squandering Surtain’s takeaway. Then, in overtime after the defense forced a Cincinnati punt, Nix overthrew an open Troy Franklin on third down, forcing a Denver punt. The Bengals then missed a potential game-winning field goal, gifting Nix another opportunity to close out the game with a win or tie by scoring or eating up the clock. Nix and the offense promptly went three-and-out. Then Cincy drove down the field and won the game. If the Broncos are going to make the playoffs and avoid getting embarrassed, Nix needs to step up in clutch moments.
5. The playoffs are still within reach: Denver still has a simple path to the playoffs. The Broncos just need to beat (or tie) the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18. Denver will be playing at home and Kansas City will likely rest key starters with the No. 1 seed already secured. Playing at home in their beautiful throwback uniform, the Broncos need just one win to get in (or some help from a few other teams if they lose).
All hope is not lost. Denver can still reach the postseason.
Here are five storylines to watch for when the Broncos face the Chargers on ‘Thursday Night Football’ in Week 16.
The Denver Broncos (9-5) are set to face the Los Angeles Chargers (8-6) on Thursday Night Football in Week 16. Here are five quick storylines to watch for going into Thursday’s game.
1. Broncos running back rotation: Jaleel McLaughlin has been the team’s best running back in recent weeks, but he was ruled out with a quad injury on Wednesday. That will leave Javonte Williams and rookie Audric Estime as the next men up, and Denver will likely elevate Blake Watson from the practice squad. We could see Marvin Mims mix in at running back as well, something he did leading up to the team’s bye week.
2. Denver’s cornerback depth: Riley Moss (knee) has been ruled out again, marking the third game he has missed. Fortunately, Pat Surtain (ankle) was able to practice this week and he was not given an injury designation for Thursday. Kris Abrams-Draine will likely start across from Surtain with Ja’Quan McMillian playing in the slot and Damarri Mathis getting rotational snaps like last week. When these teams met earlier this season, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert went 21-of-34 for 237 yards and a touchdown in a game that Surtain left with a concussion.
3. Broncos’ defense against Herbert and Co.: J.K. Dobbins rushed for 96 yards and a touchdown against the Broncos earlier this season, but he’s now on injured reserve. Denver pass rusher Nik Bonitto has scored a touchdown in each of the team’s last two games and he’s just one sack away from tying the NFL leader (Trey Hendrickson has 12.5 sacks). The Broncos, Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles have a three-way tie for the fewest points allowed per game (17.6), so Thursday night could be a defensive struggle.
4. Bo Nix bouncing back from three turnovers: Nix struggled against the Indianapolis Colts last week, throwing a career-high three interceptions. He had a bit of an in-game bounce back with three touchdown passes in a 31-13 win over Indy, but now Nix will have a fresh game to put those mistakes behind him. Nix will face an L.A. defense that allows the 10th-fewest passing yards per game (211.6), a unit that has totaled the seventh-most interceptions (14) and the eighth-most sacks (40) in the league this season.
5. Denver’s potential return to the postseason: The Broncos have already secured their first winning season since 2016. With one more win, Denver will clinch its first playoff berth since winning Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season.
Thursday’s game will be available to stream on Prime. The Broncos are one win away from clinching a spot in the 2024 NFL playoffs.
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: ESPN 
