Javonte Williams Delivered the Run Game Dallas Needed - Now the Cowboys Have a Big Decision to Make
For all the talk about Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and the Cowboys’ explosive passing game, the real story in Dallas this past season was much more grounded - literally. The Cowboys finally found the run game they’d been chasing, and they found it in Javonte Williams.
Signed to a modest one-year, $3 million deal last offseason, Williams was seen by many as a low-risk flyer. Coming off injuries and an inconsistent stint in Denver, the jury was out on whether he could be that guy in Dallas.
Well, consider the jury convinced. Williams didn’t just meet expectations - he blew past them, racking up 1,201 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, becoming the engine that powered the Cowboys’ offense.
And it wasn't just about the numbers. Williams gave this offense an identity it lacked the year before.
In 2024, the Cowboys were stuck in neutral with Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle splitting carries. Defenses didn’t respect the run, and it showed - they dropped into coverage, clogged passing lanes, and dared Dallas to beat them on the ground.
The Cowboys couldn’t.
Fast forward to 2025, and it was a different story. With Williams pounding out 4.8 yards per carry, defenses were forced to play honest.
That opened things up for Lamb, George Pickens, and the rest of the receiving corps. Suddenly, Dak had favorable matchups to exploit, and the offense flowed the way it was designed to under Brian Schottenheimer.
Now comes the hard part: keeping Williams in Dallas.
Cowboys COO Stephen Jones has already gone on record about wanting to bring Williams back on a multi-year deal. And after the season he just had, it’s going to take a significant bump in pay - likely in the $6-7 million per year range. That’s still a bargain for a back who just finished top 10 in impact, according to PFSN's RB grading metrics.
But this is the offseason, and with it comes the usual wave of speculation. One projection has Williams leaving Dallas to reunite with Dan Quinn in Washington.
The logic? The Commanders, with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels on a team-friendly deal, can afford to invest in a bruising run game to protect their young passer.
Williams, coming off a career year, fits that mold perfectly.
Sure, it’s a scenario that makes sense on paper. But in Dallas, it’s hard to imagine letting a player like Williams walk after what he just brought to the table.
Coaches have praised his work ethic and vision. Teammates trust him.
And most importantly, the offense needs him.
If the Cowboys want to stay balanced - and competitive - bringing Williams back is a no-brainer. Especially with new offensive line coaches Klayton Adams and Conor Riley working alongside Schottenheimer to further develop this ground game. If young backs like Jaydon Blue or Malik Davis can take a step forward, this rushing attack has the potential to be one of the league’s best.
For now, the ball is in the Cowboys’ court. They’ve seen what life looks like with and without a legitimate run game. If they want to keep the offense humming - and keep the pressure off Prescott - re-signing Javonte Williams should be at the top of the offseason priority list.