If you're looking for a real-life tutorial on how to use the truck stick in Madden NFL, forget the controller - just watch what Javonte Williams did to Mike Sainristil on Christmas Day.
On the Cowboys’ opening drive against the Commanders, Williams turned a routine first-down carry into a highlight reel moment. He lowered his shoulder, bulldozed through Sainristil, and rumbled for nine yards.
It wasn’t just a tone-setter - it extended the drive and helped Dallas punch in a six-yard touchdown pass from Dak Prescott to Jake Ferguson. Physical, efficient, and pure football violence.
That’s how you make a statement early.
But that one play wasn’t an isolated jolt. It’s a snapshot of what Williams has brought to the Cowboys all season long - power, purpose, and a whole lot of production.
Javonte Williams is making a case - and then some - for a new deal in Dallas
Let’s rewind the clock for a second. Back in 2022, Williams was in Denver, looking like a future star before a devastating ACL and LCL tear in October derailed his second NFL season. Fast forward to 2025, and he’s not just back - he’s thriving in a Cowboys uniform, and doing it on a one-year, $3 million prove-it deal that now looks like one of the best bargains in the league.
Heading into the Christmas Day matchup, Williams had already racked up 1,147 rushing yards - sixth-most in the NFL - and found the end zone 10 times on the ground. Add 35 receptions, 137 receiving yards, and two more touchdowns through the air, and you’ve got a back who’s doing a little bit of everything for this Dallas offense.
He’s not just a bruiser between the tackles. He’s become a reliable weapon in the passing game and a consistent chain-mover who wears down defenses. In short, he’s doing exactly what the Cowboys hoped - and maybe more.
The Cowboys have a decision to make - and it won’t be cheap
Williams’ resurgence is great news for Dallas on the field, but it comes with a price tag. His market value is trending toward a multi-year deal - projections have him around $7.4 million per year on a three-year contract. That’s a fair number for a back producing at his level, but there’s a catch: the Cowboys are projected to be $36.77 million over the salary cap this offseason.
So how do they make it work? One path is restructuring Dak Prescott’s contract.
According to Over the Cap, that move alone could free up just under $31 million in cap space. And given Prescott’s leadership role and the chemistry he’s developed with this offense - including a back like Williams who can take pressure off him - it’s not hard to imagine him being on board with a restructure that helps keep this core intact.
A power back built for playoff football
As the Cowboys gear up for the postseason, Williams’ value becomes even clearer. December and January football is about physicality - controlling the clock, grinding out tough yards, and punishing defenses that are already worn down by a long season. Williams checks every box.
He’s not just helping Dallas win now. He’s making a compelling argument to be part of their long-term future. For a player who once faced the uncertainty of a career-altering injury, that’s a comeback story worth watching - and one the Cowboys may want to invest in beyond 2025.