BRONCOS

DeShawn Williams leaves Broncos; reunites with Ejiro Evero in Carolina

Mar 15, 2023, 6:53 PM

DeShawn Williams hoped to come back to Denver. And the Broncos’ decision to retain defensive-line coach Marcus Dixon seemed to make that a possibility.

But instead, Williams will go back to his home region. Wednesday, he signed with the Carolina Panthers, putting him back together with former defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, who departed for the same position on Frank Reich’s staff after the season ended.

Williams had the best season of his career last year for the Broncos. He started 15 games and logged a career-best 4.5 sacks. It was a career-changing campaign for Williams, who spent two years fighting for back-of-the-roster spots after playing three seasons (2015-17) for the Cincinnati Bengals. Williams’ path detoured to the Canadian Football League, although the Calgary Stampeders released him in 2020 without playing a game.

Immediately after that, he rejoined the Broncos during their COVID-19-impacted 2020 training camp. He stuck on the expanded practice squad a month later, then made the most of limited playing time, with two sacks and an interception. That gave him a foothold on a rotational spot with the Broncos.

After the 2022 season, Williams expressed a desire to come back.

“Oh, yeah, for sure. Not even a question. I definitely want to be back,” Williams said on Jan. 9. “Y’all have seen my growth coming in. This fanbase has opened its arms to me and my family. It’s great. I would love to be here.”

But he wouldn’t give a discount.

“I’m not going to take nothing cheap, I know that,” Williams said then. “George [Paton] gave me the opportunity to show what I could do. Whatever coach comes in, they just turn on the tape and see what nine-nine [himself] did this year.”

Williams was born and raised in upstate South Carolina, roughly two hours from Charlotte, N.C., where the Panthers play. Immediately after signing, Williams tweeted a picture from himself wearing Panthers gear while growing up.
***

Broncos

Jayden Daniels...

Cecil Lammey

How much interest do the Broncos have in LSU QB Jayden Daniels?

The Denver Broncos have interest in LSU QB Jayden Daniels, but how realistic is getting him in the 2024 NFL Draft? Watch Orange and Blue Today with Cecil Lammey and Andrew Mason! Follow @CecilLammey

12 hours ago

Drake Maye Broncos QB...

Will Petersen

Report: Broncos attending two more QB Pro Days on Thursday

Mike Klis says the Broncos will have representatives at the Pro Days of former UNC QB Drake Maye and Washington QB Michael Penix Jr

16 hours ago

Josh Reynolds...

Jake Shapiro

Broncos make significant free agent splash at WR, leaving questions

The Denver Broncos are adding a proven weapon to Sean Payton's offense, signing former Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds

18 hours ago

J.J. McCarthy Broncos mock draft...

Will Petersen

ESPN’s latest mock draft has Broncos trading to No. 4 overall

Broncos head coach Sean Payton said it's realistic for Denver to move up; Matt Miller is projecting that as reality in his new mock draft

18 hours ago

Jayden Daniels...

Andrew Mason

Broncos visiting with LSU QB Jayden Daniels after his Pro Day

Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels will meet with six teams at his Pro Day on Wednesday, including the Denver Broncos.

19 hours ago

Greg Penner...

Andrew Mason

By any name — rebuild, retool — the Broncos are under construction

The Broncos may not say "rebuild," but by any reasonable definition, they're early into construction and public expectations will reflect it.

1 day ago

DeShawn Williams leaves Broncos; reunites with Ejiro Evero in Carolina