Javonte Williams arrived in Dallas last offseason with more questions than answers. Coming off an injury and with a resume that hadn’t quite lived up to early expectations, there was plenty of skepticism about what he’d bring to the Cowboys’ backfield. Fast forward 16 games, and Williams didn’t just answer those questions - he flipped the narrative entirely.
Under offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, Williams became a centerpiece of one of the league’s most efficient and balanced offenses. He rushed for 1,201 yards and found the end zone 11 times - both career highs - and did it with a level of consistency and physicality that gave Dallas a true identity on the ground. Whether it was grinding out tough yards between the tackles or stepping up in pass protection, Williams became the kind of every-down back this offense could lean on.
And now, he’s set to hit free agency.
This is where things get interesting. The Cowboys aren’t exactly known for throwing big money at running backs - we’ve seen that philosophy play out in recent years. But COO Stephen Jones isn’t mincing words when it comes to how the front office views Williams.
“Javonte is at the top of our list to go out and sign. We want to bring him back,” Jones said. “We want to sign him to a multiple-year deal, and Adam [Prasifka] and I have been talking about it, how we want to get started with his agent.”
That’s a strong public statement of intent - and it’s not just lip service. According to Jones, Williams wants to return as well, which could go a long way in smoothing out negotiations. The Cowboys are clearly prioritizing continuity in the backfield, and Williams has done more than enough to earn that spot.
Of course, the big question is money. Would Dallas be willing to meet a contract in the neighborhood of $6 million per year?
That’s the kind of number that typically gives this front office pause, especially when it comes to running backs. But Williams isn’t just a stat-stuffer - he’s been a tone-setter.
His ability to wear down defenses, protect Dak Prescott on passing downs, and stay available across a full season makes him more than just a luxury piece.
There’s also a vision taking shape behind the scenes. The Cowboys are reportedly intrigued by a “Thunder and Lightning” combo featuring Williams and Jaydon Blue next season. That pairing would give Dallas a dynamic one-two punch - Williams as the bruising, between-the-tackles force, and Blue bringing the speed and agility to stretch defenses horizontally.
If that’s the plan, re-signing Williams becomes more than just a feel-good move - it becomes a strategic one. And based on Stephen Jones’ comments, the Cowboys are ready to make it happen.
For an offense that found its rhythm in 2025, keeping that momentum going means locking in the pieces that made it work. Javonte Williams was one of them - and Dallas knows it.