‘At the top of our list’ – Cowboys drop major hint about the one pending free agent they want back the most in 2026
The Dallas Cowboys want RB Javonte Williams back. And their words show a lot of confidence in a deal getting done.
The Dallas Cowboys saw enough from veteran running back Javonte Williams in 2025 to know they want him back.
And based on their comments on Wednesday’s season ending press conference, it sure sounds like they’re confident on getting a multi-year deal done to keep him around.
Javonte Williams at the top of Cowboys’ to-do list
When asked about Javonte Williams’ pending free agency, Cowboys co-owner Stephen Jones didn’t go to the usual salary cap answer the front office likes to offer at almost every turn. Instead, he sent a crystal clear message about the team’s intentions.
“Javonte is at the top of our list to go out and sign, we want to bring him back, we want to sign him to a multiple year deal,” Jones told reporters. “Certainly that’s one of our priorities to get him re-signed.”
After a career year for Williams, that isn’t the easiest goal to achieve. But to say it explicitly the way that Jones did suggests serious confidence from the Cowboys it’s going to get done. A big reason for it? Williams also wants to be in Dallas.
“It’s my understanding he really wants to be back as well,” Jones added. “Which is helpful.”
Projected contract value for Williams
Spotrac projects Javonte Williams’ market value to sit at $7.3 million per year. It also projects a three-year deal worth $22 million. Such a number would put Williams around what former Cowboys RB Tony Pollard signed for when he left for the Tennessee Titans.
In 2025, Williams rushed for 1,201 yards and scored 13 total touchdowns. He also showed his prowess in pass protection, which was major in keeping Dak Prescott clean throughout the year.
Why keeping Williams is key
With the Cowboys having as many defensive needs—plus a need at offensive tackle—ahead of this offseason, it’s only smart to scratch running back off of the list. And when you factor in the way Schottenheimer wants his offense to run, it makes even more sense.
Williams gives Dallas a physical run game that allows Schotty’s offense to look the same whether they’re running the ball or throwing it. There might be some strong bidding going on for Williams if they allow him to reach free agency, but the Cowboys’ intentions are clear. They want him back.
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