Javonte Williams Has Earned His Star in Dallas - But What Comes Next?
Javonte Williams wasn’t supposed to be the guy in Dallas this season. But 14 games in, it’s hard to argue he hasn’t become just that - the guy.
With 1,113 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns to his name, Williams has brought a physical, no-nonsense edge to the Cowboys’ ground game that’s been both productive and energizing. He’s the kind of back who makes defenders think twice before stepping into the hole.
And in a season where Dallas has leaned heavily on offensive balance, Williams has delivered in a big way.
But here’s the thing - he’s also about to get paid.
Williams is playing 2025 on a modest $3 million deal, and with free agency looming, his next contract is going to look a lot different. Based on his production and the market for backs of his caliber, he could be looking at something in the ballpark of $6 million per year, maybe more. That’s not elite running back money, but it’s certainly a jump - and the Cowboys will have to decide if they’re ready to invest in him long-term.
Quarterback Dak Prescott and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer have reportedly made it clear they’d like to see Williams back in 2026. And it’s easy to see why.
Williams fits the identity of this offense - tough, efficient, and dependable. But Dallas has shown in recent years that they’re not exactly eager to shell out big money for the position.
Just last offseason, they balked at paying Rico Dowdle around $6 million per year. That’s worth remembering as the front office weighs its options.
Which brings us to the latest buzz: Breece Hall.
There’s been chatter about the Cowboys potentially targeting the Jets’ star back, with some suggesting Hall could step in as a dynamic playmaker - especially if wide receiver George Pickens departs in free agency. It’s an intriguing idea on paper. Hall has flashed elite ability when healthy, and his skill set could certainly add another dimension to the offense.
But let’s pump the brakes a bit.
First, the Cowboys have a plan in place for Pickens. The franchise tag remains a very real option if a long-term deal doesn’t come together, which would buy Dallas another year of evaluation. So the idea that Hall would be brought in to offset Pickens’ departure feels premature.
Second - and more importantly - let’s talk dollars. Spotrac estimates Hall’s market value at $10.4 million per year.
That’s nearly double what Williams is projected to command. If Dallas wasn’t willing to pay Dowdle $6 million, it’s hard to imagine them doubling that for another back, even one as talented as Hall.
So while the thought of Breece Hall in a Cowboys uniform is fun to entertain, the financial math just doesn’t support it. Not with the team’s current philosophy on running back spending.
Not with other roster needs looming. And not when they already have a proven commodity in Williams, who’s earned the trust of the locker room and the coaching staff.
Bottom line: Williams may not be the flashiest name on the market, but he’s been a rock for this offense. He runs hard, finishes plays, and shows up when it matters. If Dallas is going to spend at the position - and that’s still a big “if” - he’s the most logical investment.
And if he’s back in the backfield come 2026? The Cowboys could do a lot worse.