Extending running back Javonte Williams to a three-year deal worth $24 million is smart business for the Dallas Cowboys.

But as every move this time of the year, it creates winners and losers across the team, players and otherwise. Below is my list of those, starting with offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, who gets to keep a core player for the identity of his scheme.

Winner: OC Klayton Adams

I could easily go for head coach Brian Schottenheimer here, but I’ll instead point out Adams for a simple reason: He’s the architect of the team’s run game. From Day 1, Adams aimed for a violent, physical run game.

Williams became the perfect RB1 for the task. While breakout runs make up a significant portion of his 2025 highlights, one of Williams’ best feats was his ability to avoid negative plays. He punished tacklers each time they tried to bring him down.

With the news, the Cowboys OC can base his run game around the same mindset.

Winner: QB Dak Prescott

Prescott gets two things with the Williams extension.

1. A run game that alleviates the burden and opens up the passing game.
2. A personal bodyguard in the pocket.

Last year, Williams was one of the best pass blocking running backs in the NFL. Prior to missing the regular season finale, he was a Top 3 running back in that department, per PFF. One of the biggest reasons the Cowboys were explosive in 2025 was their ability to run play-action shots behind max protections.

Williams played a major role in that. With serious question marks at offensive tackle, having a running back that can buy Dak a little bit more time should go a long way.

Loser: RB Jaydon Blue

After being a healthy scratch for most of his rookie season, Blue’s best chance at rising into a prominent role had to be Williams not getting extended. That doesn’t mean he won’t be able to grow in his second year in the league, but it sure complicates it.

Barring an injury, RB1 is out of the question for Blue. Now the question is if he can earn the backup role or if he will struggle to get playing time again.

Loser: Most Cowboys pending free agents

George Pickens and Brandon Aubrey are the obvious exceptions, but the Cowboys’ free agency class wasn’t a very promising one to start. Guaranteeing Williams $16 million is likely going to be considered by the front office as a strong commitment. Usually, they don’t make any of those unless it’s for players they drafted.

As a result, others’ chances of getting deals done are unlikelier now. One big name to watch is DE Jadeveon Clowney, who could be looking at a one-year deal worth around $8-10 million.

Winner: Cowboys front office

On the other hand, the Cowboys acted quickly on this deal. And even if it doesn’t confirm they will “bust the budget” as Jerry Jones claimed he will, it’s a promising sign. Now we wait to see how they handle the George Pickens negotiations, which are expected to start at the NFL Scouting Combine.

But for now, on the heels of taking care of one of the team’s biggest needs with a deal that makes sense, they go on the winners column for me.

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