Cowboys' Backfield in Flux: Javonte Williams, Malik Davis Headline Offseason Questions
The Dallas Cowboys are heading into the offseason with one glaring question mark: Who’s going to be carrying the ball in 2026?
As it stands, the Cowboys don’t have a single running back under contract for the long haul. Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, and Malik Davis - the trio that shared backfield duties this season - are all finishing the year on one-year deals. And none of them are guaranteed to be back in a Cowboys uniform next fall.
Let’s start with the obvious. Miles Sanders, sidelined since October with a serious knee injury, is unlikely to return. That leaves Williams and Davis as the two names to watch - but for very different reasons.
Javonte Williams: A Resurgent Force Worth Keeping?
When healthy, Javonte Williams looked like the kind of back Dallas could build around. After arriving in Dallas with something to prove, he delivered a bounce-back season that helped stabilize the offense. His physical running style and ability to grind out tough yards made him a valuable asset - especially behind an offensive line that found its rhythm late in the year.
Locking him up with a new deal would make a lot of sense. But as always, the price has to be right. Williams played his way into a solid payday, and the Cowboys will need to weigh that against their cap flexibility - especially with other key contracts already on the books.
Malik Davis: A Breakout Performance at the Right Time
Then there’s Malik Davis, who might’ve made the Cowboys’ offseason decisions even tougher with his Week 17 performance.
With Williams exiting the Christmas Day win over Washington due to a shoulder injury, Davis stepped into the spotlight - and delivered. He ran for a career-high 103 yards on 20 carries, helping Dallas hold off a second-half surge from the Commanders.
It wasn’t just the stat line that stood out - it was the way Davis ran. Confident, decisive, and tough between the tackles.
That kind of performance doesn’t go unnoticed - especially when it comes at a pivotal moment in the season.
Davis has always been an intriguing piece in Dallas' backfield rotation, but his role has been limited. Now, with a big game under his belt and another opportunity looming in Week 18 against the Giants, he’s got a real shot to make his case for a bigger role in 2026 - whether that’s in Dallas or elsewhere.
What About Jaydon Blue?
Rookie Jaydon Blue is still on the roster, but at this point, he’s more of a developmental project than a plug-and-play contributor. The former Texas standout hasn’t shown enough to be considered a reliable option heading into next season. That opens the door for Davis to potentially take over the role many expected Blue to grow into.
If Davis can string together another strong performance in the season finale, it might be tough for the Cowboys to let him walk - especially if they can get him back on a team-friendly deal before free agency heats up.
Cap Crunch Complications
Of course, this all comes down to numbers - and not just the ones on the stat sheet.
With wide receiver George Pickens already earning a new contract, Dallas has to be strategic with its spending. If the front office is prioritizing a new deal for Williams, that could limit what they’re willing to offer Davis - or any other back - in free agency.
That’s why timing matters. If the Cowboys want to keep Davis in the fold without overpaying, now might be the right moment to strike a deal. Letting him hit the open market could drive up his value, especially if another team sees a potential diamond in the rough.
Final Audition in Week 18
With one game left in the regular season - a road trip to face the New York Giants - Davis has one more chance to make his case. Another strong showing could cement his place in the Cowboys’ 2026 plans. Or, at the very least, make the decision a whole lot harder for the front office.
Either way, the Cowboys' backfield is entering the offseason as one of the team’s most intriguing storylines. Williams looks like the lead back of the future - if the price is right.
Davis might be too good to let go. And Blue?
He’s still a question mark.
The only thing that’s certain: change is coming in Dallas’ running back room. And how the Cowboys handle it could shape their offense for years to come.