Broncos defensive tackle Sylvester Williams is on track to become a free agent after the 2016 season.
According to multiple reports, the Broncos have declined to exercise their team option on Williams’ contract for the 2017 season. The option would have had Williams in line to make over $6.75 million and would have only been guaranteed against injury, but the Broncos opted not to go that route.
Williams, the 28th overall pick of the 2013 draft, started 15 games for the Broncos last season and finished the year with 25 tackles and three sacks. He should remain in the starting lineup this season and told Troy Renck of the Denver Post that he expects to have his best season yet.
Declining the option hardly closes the door on Williams’ return to Denver. Running back Doug Martin and safety/linebacker Mark Barron re-signed with the Buccaneers and Rams respectively this offseason after failing to get their options exercised. If Williams is right about how his 2016 season unfolds, that might make him more expensive than that option price although that’s a risk the Broncos are obviously willing to take.
