The NFL is a fluid, ever-changing business which makes it hard for teams to keep players for the entirety of their careers. In fact, teams usually turn over more than half of their roster from one year to the next.
The better players are kept around for as long as possible, but in the salary-cap era which encourages plenty of parity, teams have a hard time holding them forever. Age and contracts have to be considered after each offseason, and that is the case for every team in the league.
The Denver Broncos are looking to open a brand new era of football in the Mile High City, but, inevitably, some of the players on this year's team won't be part of future teams. These three players could fit into that category and all three of these players are scheduled to be unrestricted free agents at season's end.
Denver Broncos starters who may be done in Denver after 2024 season
Garett Bolles, Tackle
Garett Bolles is entering his eighth year in Denver after being drafted in the first round in 2017, but after coming into the league as an older rookie, he will also be 33 years old next May. That isn't ancient for a left tackle, but the team could easily consider a younger option.
A suitable replacement, at least a long-term one, is not currently on the roster, so this player would have to be found in free agency or the draft.
D.J. Jones, Defensive Lineman
Many Broncos fans were surprised that the Broncos kept D.J. Jones on the roster this season as the team could have saved nearly $10 million against the cap by releasing him. Instead, the team chose to keep the veteran for at least the final year of his contract.
Jones is one of the starting defensive linemen, but he has been somewhat underwhelming during his Denver tenure. The team has options in Malcolm Roach and Eyioma Uwazurikie who could replace him at any point, so it would be surprising if Jones is part of next year's team.
Javonte Williams, Running Back
Javonte Williams is still only 24 years old, but the window to an NFL career closes for running backs quicker than any other position. In Denver, the team has a solid stable of young runners in Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime and Blake Watson.
Let’s give this Javonte Williams fella 70% of the snaps and see what happens!pic.twitter.com/pQJKEuU5mh
— Joe Orrico (@NoExpertFF) September 3, 2024
Williams could earn a new contract with a big season, but if he plays the same way he did in 2023, he will be looking for a new team next season.
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