The Facts: With Gordon set to hit the open waters of unrestricted free agency, it's fair to wonder whether the Broncos plan to enter the 2022 campaign with Javonte Williams as the penciled-in bell-cow. GM George Paton fully believes Williams is ready and capable of being the lead back in the team's stable of ball-carriers. However, in a perfect world, the Broncos want to re-sign Gordon after how well he performed last year and how he gelled with Williams — the team's 2021 second-round pick. "Javonte -- we think he's ready to do whatever," Paton said on Tuesday. "Full workload, share carries. I think Melvin and Javonte really complemented each other well. They helped each other. Melvin was a total pro with Javonte and I know Javonte really appreciated that relationship. I've had really good discussions with Melvin. We would like to have him back. We think he's a really good back."

Diehards Line: Williams is under contract, obviously, and so is Mike Boone — whom the team signed to a two-year deal last March. Boone didn't see much action in Year 1 as a Bronco but he's more than capable of serving as a legit RB2. So while it would be good to get Gordon back in the fold, Williams and Boone are younger players champing at the bit to put a dent in the NFL universe. As SI.com's Chad Jensen asked, "How much salary-cap space should the Broncos be willing to budget toward re-signing the veteran?" If Gordon is seeking $8 million per year, which is what ex-GM John Elway paid him on a two-season deal, Paton's answer will likely be a firm "no." If Gordon, who recently said he'd "love" to re-sign with the Broncos, is amenable to something like $8 million divided over two years, with just 2022 guaranteed, then Paton could pull the trigger. Time will tell.