Cowboys News
Dallas Cowboys officials have begun preliminary contract discussions with running back Javonte Williams ahead of free agency. Williams is expected to be a top priority for the team this offseason after a career year in his first season with Dallas. Williams signed a one-year contract with the Cowboys in March 2025 after spending four seasons with the Denver Broncos. The deal was worth up to $3.5 million with incentives. He became a free agent when the 2026 league year began in mid-March.
The 25-year-old running back set career highs across the board in 2025. Williams carried the ball 252 times for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns in 16 games. He added 35 receptions on 51 targets for 137 yards and two more scores. Williams finished as the RB11 in half-PPR fantasy scoring.
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones called Williams “at the top of our list” when discussing offseason priorities. Jones said the team wants to sign Williams to a multiple-year deal. The Cowboys have met with Williams’ representation about a potential extension.
Williams is represented by agents Andy Simms and Cody Recchion from 1 of 1 Agency. Contract discussions between the parties are ongoing as free agency approaches.
Denver selected Williams in the second round of the 2021 draft with the 35th overall pick. He rushed for 903 yards as a rookie before suffering a devastating knee injury in 2022. Williams tore his ACL, LCL, and PCL in Week 4 against Las Vegas that season. He struggled to regain his form over the next two seasons in Denver. Williams averaged just 3.65 yards per carry from 2023 to 2024 while leading the Broncos with 774 and 513 rushing yards, respectively. Denver moved on from Williams after the 2024 season.
Dallas took a chance on the former North Carolina standout with a low-risk deal. Williams responded with the best season of his career. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry and became the featured back in Dallas’ offense. Williams suffered a shoulder injury in Week 17 against Washington. He was placed on injured reserve before the season finale and did not play in Week 18 against the Giants. The injury is not expected to impact his availability for the 2026 season.
Market projections suggest Williams could command approximately $7.3 million per year on a new contract. That would place him in line with recent running back deals around the league. The Cowboys have approximately $39 million in cap space for the 2026 season.
Dallas finished 7-9-1 in 2025 and missed the playoffs. The team is undergoing changes on both sides of the ball this offseason. Retaining Williams would provide stability at the running back position as the Cowboys look to bounce back in 2026.
Williams will turn 25 in April. He has rushed for 3,595 yards and 15 touchdowns over his five-year career. Williams has also caught 158 passes for 966 yards and five scores.
