The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to sign running back Javonte Williams to a one-year contract worth $3 million, with incentives that could increase the deal to $3.5 million, according to multiple reports.
Williams’ Journey So Far
Williams was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. In his rookie season, he made an immediate impact, rushing for 903 yards and four touchdowns. He was especially impressive against the Cowboys in Week 9, rushing for 111 yards. His ability to break tackles made him stand out, as he led the league with 31 broken tackles. Additionally, he proved to be a solid receiver, recording 43 receptions for 316 yards and three touchdowns.
However, his career took a tough turn in 2022 when he suffered a severe knee injury, tearing his ACL, LCL, and posterolateral corner, which forced him to miss the rest of the season. Despite this setback, he fought his way back onto the field.
Recent Performance and Move to Dallas
Last season, Williams rushed for 513 yards and four touchdowns while catching 52 passes for 346 yards. Although his versatility remained evident, his 3.7 yards per carry was underwhelming. Now, at 24 years old, he looks to regain his top form in Dallas.
The Cowboys are making changes in their backfield and are not expected to re-sign last season’s leading rusher, Rico Dowdle. Dowdle, an unrestricted free agent, led the team with 1,079 rushing yards on 235 carries in 2024. If he departs, it would mark the third straight season that Dallas has lost its primary running back, following Ezekiel Elliott in 2022 and Tony Pollard in 2023.
Cowboys’ Running Back Situation
Williams’ signing is likely just one of several moves the Cowboys will make to strengthen their rushing attack. Dallas ranked 27th in total rushing yards last season, which played a role in their disappointing 7-10 record. The poor performance led to the firing of head coach Mike McCarthy, with Brian Schottenheimer being promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach.
Javonte Williams’ Career Stats
| Year | Team | Rushing Attempts | Rushing Yards | Average Yards per Carry | Rushing Touchdowns | Total Receptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Broncos | 139 | 513 | 3.7 | 4 | 52 |
| 2023 | Broncos | 217 | 774 | 3.6 | 3 | 47 |
| 2022 | Broncos | 47 | 204 | 4.3 | 0 | 16 |
| 2021 | Broncos | 203 | 903 | 4.4 | 4 | 43 |
| Career | 606 | 2,394 | 4.0 | 11 | 158 |
With Williams joining the Cowboys, he has the opportunity to revive his career and help improve Dallas’ struggling rushing attack. Whether he can return to his rookie-year form remains to be seen, but he brings experience and versatility to the team.
