The Dallas Cowboys are staring down a pivotal offseason decision, and it all starts in the backfield. After Javonte Williams put together a resurgent campaign in his first year with the team, the front office now has to determine whether to double down on the comeback story-or pivot to a new long-term answer at running back.
Williams, who signed a one-year, $3 million prove-it deal, did more than just prove it. He finished ninth in the NFL in rushing yards with 1,201, showing the kind of burst, vision, and toughness that made him a hot prospect before injuries derailed his early career. It was a season that reminded the league-and maybe even the Cowboys-just how much tread he still has left on the tires.
But here’s the catch: Williams is now an unrestricted free agent. And while EVP Stephen Jones has publicly said that retaining him is a top priority, the reality is that the NFL is a business.
Players know it. Teams know it.
And when you’re coming off a career-reviving season, you’ve got leverage. That’s where things could get complicated for Dallas.
Enter Travis Etienne.
The Jacksonville Jaguars' star is expected to hit the open market, and he checks a lot of boxes for what the Cowboys might be looking for. Etienne has topped 1,000 rushing yards in three of his four NFL seasons and added a career-best six receiving touchdowns this year.
He’s not just a runner-he’s a weapon. His dual-threat ability out of the backfield would give Dallas a new dimension offensively, especially in a system that could scheme him into space behind one of the league’s better offensive lines.
And let’s be real: the Cowboys haven’t had true backfield continuity since Ezekiel Elliott’s departure after the 2022 season. They’ve cycled through starters, filled gaps with short-term answers, and now find themselves at another crossroads. If Williams walks, Etienne could be the kind of long-term solution that brings some much-needed stability to the position.
At 27 next season, Etienne is in his prime. He’s coming off a strong year in Jacksonville and could be on the verge of a Pro Bowl season with the right supporting cast.
Dallas could offer him that-especially with an offensive line that, when healthy, can open up lanes and help a back like Etienne thrive. He brings more explosion than Williams, more big-play potential.
But he’ll also come with a bigger price tag.
That’s the trade-off the Jones family has to weigh. Do you reward Williams for a bounce-back season and bet on continued production at a reasonable cost? Or do you swing bigger, invest more, and bring in a player like Etienne who could elevate the offense in a different way?
There’s no easy answer. Williams earned the right to return, but Etienne might be the kind of player who changes the ceiling of your offense.
Either way, the Cowboys can’t afford to miss on this decision. The backfield has been a revolving door for too long-and this offseason is their chance to finally lock it down.