It took Javonte Williams two full seasons to bounce back from a significant 2022 knee injury, but he properly reintroduced himself to the NFL-watching world during the 2025-26 campaign. And now he is being rewarded. The 25-year-old running back agreed to a three-year, $24 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Williams was set to hit free agency in March, but he will remain on “America's Team” for the foreseeable future. The deal includes $16 million guaranteed, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Dallas' lethal passing attack drew substantial praise last season, and rightly so, but Williams made the unit's job much easier by posing a serious threat on the ground. He registered 252 carries for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns in 16 games, before missing the final game with a shoulder injury.
The Cowboys were able to move the ball at the rate they did because they established the run. Management clearly believes that Williams can keep it up.
There are other intriguing backs who will be available on the open market in March, including Breece Hall, Kenneth Walker III, Travis Etienne and former Dallas player Rico Dowdle, but head coach Brian Schottenheimer surely values the continuity the offense will have with Javonte Williams as the primary rusher.
The former North Carolina Tar Heels star is somewhat of an injury risk given his medical history, so perhaps the Cowboys will try to add someone like Tyler Allgeier or Jerome Ford to reinforce their backfield. The RB room appears to belong to Williams at the moment, however.
