Dallas Cowboys Secure Running Back Javonte Williams for Three More Years

The Dallas Cowboys have made a significant move to ensure the presence of a burgeoning star in their backfield, as running back Javonte Williams has agreed to a new three-year, $24 million contract. The announcement came on Saturday, with NFL Network's Ian Rapoport being the first to report the agreement. This decision follows Williams' standout season in 2025, where he showcased his potential as an elite running back.

A Record-Breaking Season

In the 2025 NFL season, Williams had the best performance of his career. He rushed for a total of 1,201 yards and found the end zone 11 times, a career-high both in yardage and touchdowns. The North Carolina product also contributed significantly in the passing game, catching 35 passes for 137 yards and adding two more touchdowns. This breakout year marked a turning point for Williams, as he surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing threshold for the first time in his career, accumulating a total of 1,338 yards from scrimmage.

Looking Ahead: Financial Landscape for the Cowboys

While securing Williams is a huge win for the Cowboys, the timing of the agreement poses challenges for the team as they navigate their salary cap situation. Prior to Williams signing his new deal, the Cowboys had $355.3 million accounting for their salary cap in 2026, putting them over the cap by $25.9 million. With the new league year approaching, Dallas will have to devise strategies to trim their payroll and get under the cap. This may involve restructuring contracts or making tough choices about the roster.

A Strong Commitment from Both Sides

Williams' return to Dallas seemed almost certain after he expressed his love for the city and the team. Back in December, he was quoted saying, "I love it here," displaying his commitment to the franchise. Meanwhile, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones made it clear that Williams was a priority for the organization. In his year-end press conference, Jones stated that Williams was "at the top of our list to go out and sign." This mutual appreciation laid the groundwork for the contract negotiation that ensued.

A Journey Through Adversity

Javonte Williams came into the NFL as a promising second-round draft pick by the Denver Broncos in 2021. His rookie year was promising, as he rushed for 903 yards, signaling his potential stardom. However, adversity struck in 2022 when he suffered a knee injury, limiting him to just four games. After recovering, Williams showed resilience, accumulating a combined total of 1,287 yards and seven touchdowns over the next two seasons. Despite these accomplishments, he signed a one-year "prove-it" deal with the Cowboys ahead of the 2025 season, with hopes of re-establishing himself in the league.

A Bright Future Ahead

With his contract situation resolved, Williams now looks to build on the momentum of his breakout season and continue establishing himself as a reliable running back in the NFL. At just 25 years old, he has the skill set and determination to not only contribute significantly to the Cowboys' offensive scheme but also to potentially become one of the more consistent backs across the league.

Conclusion: A Steady Hand in the Backfield

The Cowboys' investment in Javonte Williams echoes their confidence in his abilities and his fit within their system. With the new contract behind him, Williams can focus on training and preparing for the next season while the Cowboys address their cap challenges. For both Williams and Cowboys fans, the future looks bright as they anticipate another exciting season filled with promise and the potential for greatness.