Javonte Williams joins the Cowboys on a one-year contract.

The Dallas Cowboys have made a strategic move in the offseason, bringing former Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams into the fold on a one-year contract, valued at $3 million, with the possibility of earning an additional $500,000 in performance-based incentives. The deal represents a calculated step toward strengthening the Cowboys’ running back room, which has undergone several changes in recent seasons. For Williams, the contract represents an opportunity to prove himself in a new system after overcoming a series of injuries that have slowed his career trajectory.

Javonte Williams: A Look at His Career and Promise

Javonte Williams has long been considered one of the most promising young running backs in the NFL. Drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Williams quickly made a name for himself with his explosive running style, physicality, and versatility. In his rookie season, Williams rushed for 903 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing his ability to break tackles and gain yardage after contact. His 31 broken tackles led the NFL in 2021, an impressive feat for a player so early in his career.

In addition to his strong running game, Williams showed significant promise in the passing game, catching 43 passes for 316 yards and three touchdowns. This dual-threat ability made him an enticing option for the Broncos as a featured back for the future.

However, Williams’ career faced a significant setback during the 2022 season when he tore his ACL, LCL, and suffered damage to his posterolateral corner (PLC) during Week 4. The injury was devastating, and Williams was forced to miss the remainder of the season. Despite the severity of the injury, he showed incredible resilience by returning to the field for the 2023 season.

Although Williams was not quite the same player in 2023, he still managed to rush for 513 yards and four touchdowns, and he added 52 receptions for 346 yards. His yards per carry dipped to 3.7, indicating some lingering effects from the injury. Despite this, his resilience and all-around skills made him an attractive option for the Cowboys, who are looking to strengthen their backfield for the upcoming season.

The Cowboys’ Running Back Situation: A Need for Stability

The Dallas Cowboys have been in a state of flux at the running back position for the past few seasons. After releasing longtime star Ezekiel Elliott in 2023, the Cowboys relied heavily on Tony Pollard to take over as the lead back. Pollard provided stability, rushing for over 1,000 yards and earning Pro Bowl honors in 2024. However, Pollard’s departure from the Cowboys in free agency left the team with a void in the running back room.

In 2024, the Cowboys also saw promising performances from Rico Dowdle, who emerged as a key contributor in the backfield, rushing for over 1,000 yards. However, Dowdle, too, is no longer part of the Cowboys’ roster, as he left for a deal with another team. With the backfield now in flux, the Cowboys made the decision to sign Javonte Williams to bring some much-needed depth and talent to the position.

Williams brings a combination of size, power, and pass-catching ability that could make him an immediate contributor in Dallas’ offense. The addition of Williams helps provide a stable and dynamic running back rotation, which is essential for a Cowboys team looking to compete for a playoff spot in a competitive NFC.

Fit Within the Cowboys’ Offensive System

The Cowboys are known for their strong offensive line, which has long been one of the best in the league. This is a key factor in why the Cowboys felt confident in bringing in Williams. Known for his vision and ability to read blocks, Williams could thrive behind the Cowboys’ offensive line, which consistently opens up lanes for its ball carriers. If Williams can regain his pre-injury form, he has the potential to become a powerful weapon for the Cowboys’ offense.

Additionally, under the guidance of head coach Brian Schottenheimer, the Cowboys’ offense has emphasized versatility and balance in recent years. Schottenheimer values running backs who can contribute in both the rushing and passing game. This suits Williams’ skill set perfectly, as he has already demonstrated his ability to make plays as a receiver out of the backfield. In 2024, he caught 52 passes, showcasing his value as a dual-threat weapon.

One area where Williams may need to improve is his yards per carry. In 2023, he averaged just 3.7 yards per carry, a significant drop from his rookie season, where he averaged 4.4 yards per carry. However, this drop is likely attributable to his recovery from the injury, and with a full offseason to heal, Williams could improve his efficiency in 2025.

Another factor to consider is the level of competition for the starting role. While the Cowboys have brought in Williams, they also have a number of other running backs on the roster, including the young and talented Malik Davis. The competition within the running back room will be key to determining how much playing time Williams receives, and he will need to prove that he can be the lead back moving forward.

Potential Impact on the Cowboys’ Roster and Playoff Hopes

The signing of Williams provides the Cowboys with several key benefits. First and foremost, it helps add depth and versatility to the running back position. With Pollard’s departure, the Cowboys had a clear need for a player who could not only run between the tackles but also contribute in the passing game. Williams fits the bill perfectly.

Additionally, Williams’ addition could have a ripple effect throughout the roster. With a solid running game in place, the Cowboys’ offense will be able to maintain balance, making the passing game even more dangerous. Quarterback Dak Prescott will benefit from a consistent running attack, which will help keep opposing defenses off balance. The Cowboys’ offensive line, which has often been dominant in the run game, could help Williams return to his pre-injury form and allow him to showcase his skills as a workhorse back.

The impact of Williams on the Cowboys’ playoff hopes cannot be understated. With the NFC becoming increasingly competitive, Dallas will need all hands on deck to make a deep playoff run. If Williams can stay healthy and return to his 2021 form, he could become a key part of a Cowboys team that is aiming to make a Super Bowl push.

What’s Next for Javonte Williams and the Cowboys

Williams’ one-year contract with the Cowboys is, in many ways, a prove-it deal. After battling through injuries, Williams will have the opportunity to show the NFL that he is still capable of being a top-tier running back. If he performs well in 2025, he could potentially earn a long-term deal with the Cowboys or another team in the following offseason.

For the Cowboys, Williams’ signing provides a strong foundation at the running back position. However, the team will still need to address other areas of concern, including bolstering their defense and potentially adding depth to the wide receiver position. The team will likely turn to the NFL Draft and additional free-agent signings to round out the roster before the start of the season.

 A Key Addition for the Cowboys

Javonte Williams’ signing represents a smart and low-risk move by the Dallas Cowboys as they look to retool their roster and position themselves for success in 2025. While the running back has had to overcome significant adversity due to injuries, his talent, potential, and versatility make him a valuable addition to the Cowboys’ offense.

For Williams, the 2025 season is a critical opportunity to prove that he can still be the explosive, dynamic running back he was before his injury. If he can stay healthy and regain his pre-injury form, the Cowboys’ offense could become significantly more potent, making them an even more dangerous contender in the NFC. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Williams as he looks to make a major impact in Dallas and carve out his place in the NFL once again.