Broncos: Top 11 takeaways from George Paton’s pre-free agency presser
5. Ja’Wuan James will be back in 2021
Ja’Wuan James has been a hugely disappointing 2019 free agent acquisition.
After playing well in the 2019 preseason, James was injured in the season opener against the then-Oakland Raiders, and he wasn’t the same after that. He appeared in three games, but wasn’t confident enough in his knee to play on a full-time basis.
After the injury-plagued 2019, James decided to opt out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19, potential injury concerns with a weird offseason, and the birth of his child.
The Broncos are between a rock and a hard place with James’ contract and there is no question that 2021 is a make-or-break year for him. For the time being, it sounds like the Broncos will welcome him back with open arms.
Vic Fangio on Ja'Wuan James: "He's definitely planning on coming back and being part of the team moving forward."
— Aric DiLalla (@AricDiLalla) March 4, 2021
George Paton stated that he has spoken with James and that James told him how he’s missed football. That should be music to Broncos fans’ ears.
Hopefully, he is able to prove it on the field. If James is healthy and ready to go this season, the Broncos’ offensive line could be one of the best and most improved units (again) in 2021. They have already taken a huge leap forward under Mike Munchak’s guidance and James is a player who would make them even better at his best.
Entering his age 29 season, James has to show the Broncos and the fans why he was worthy of $32 million in guaranteed cash money.