Javonte Williams #33 of the Denver Broncos
The Minnesota Vikings’ offense has shown plenty of promise through the air in 2024, with quarterback Sam Darnold finding success in the passing game despite ranking 25th in attempts. However, the team’s ground attack has failed to keep pace, and with the playoffs looming, the Vikings may be on the lookout for a key upgrade in their backfield.
One player who has emerged as a potential target is Denver Broncos tailback Javonte Williams, who could be the spark the Vikings need to balance their offensive attack. Despite suffering a serious knee injury in 2022 that affected his performance last season, Williams has shown flashes of his former explosive self in 2024. He’s averaged 4.0 yards per carry, and while his overall production has been inconsistent, the 24-year-old has demonstrated the ability to handle a heavier workload—something the Vikings could desperately use as they try to improve their ground game.
Javonte Williams: The Playmaker the Vikings Need?
As Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox points out, the Vikings’ offensive system could be the perfect fit for Williams’ skill set. Minnesota’s offense has relied heavily on dual-threat running backs, and Williams—who can impact the game both on the ground and in the passing game—would seamlessly integrate into this system. After all, head coach Kevin O’Connell has regularly used running backs in both rushing and receiving roles, and Williams has the tools to shine in this capacity.
Though Williams’ injury history (he tore his ACL, LCL, and PCL in 2022) and some inconsistent performances in Denver may raise questions, he still has plenty of upside. With 447 yards and a respectable 4.0 YPC average in 2024, Williams has shown that he’s capable of bouncing back. His best performance this season came in Week 7 when he posted a season-high 88 rushing yards on 14 carries. Despite being relegated to a secondary role behind Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estimé in Denver, Williams has continued to show flashes of the dynamic player who rushed for 1,219 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie in 2021.
What Makes Williams a Perfect Fit for Minnesota
The Vikings’ ground game ranks just 19th in rushing yards despite being 8th in rushing attempts. The addition of Aaron Jones—who has had a strong, Pro Bowl-worthy season—hasn’t been enough to lift the rushing attack to a level that matches the team’s aerial success. With Jones turning 30 in December and only under contract for one more year, the Vikings may soon need a long-term solution at running back.
Javonte Williams could be that solution. At 6 feet tall and 220 pounds, Williams has the size and physicality to handle a high-volume workload, while also possessing the speed and agility to make plays in the open field. His pass-catching ability would make him an ideal complement to the young, talented pass-catchers in Minnesota, including wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, and tight end T.J. Hockenson. The idea of pairing Williams with a young quarterback like J.J. McCarthy—if the Vikings go that route in the future—could give the offense a dynamic, dual-threat backfield.
The Vikings’ Path Forward: A Potential Trade?
As Bleacher Report’s Knox points out, Williams is in the final year of his four-year, $8 million contract, which could make him an affordable acquisition for the Vikings. With the Vikings projected to have $74 million in cap space for 2025, investing in Williams could be a savvy move. This would allow Minnesota to move on from Jones (who may no longer be the long-term answer) while bringing in a younger, high-potential back.
Denver’s crowded backfield under Sean Payton, combined with Williams’ injury history, could make him available at a reasonable cost. If the Vikings can get a deal done, they could quickly bolster their rushing attack and take some pressure off Darnold and the passing game.
Looking Ahead
Whether the Vikings decide to make a trade for Williams or not, there’s no question that their ground game needs an infusion of talent. Williams has proven that when healthy, he can be a true difference-maker. With the Vikings pushing for a playoff spot in 2024, adding a back like Williams could give them the necessary balance to make a deep run.
As Minnesota looks to build a more complete offense, Javonte Williams could be the final piece of the puzzle—helping the Vikings elevate their ground game to match their potent aerial attack. If he can return to his rookie form, the Vikings may just find themselves with the dual-threat running back they’ve been missing.
