Extending Javonte Williams will be one of the wisest decisions of the Dallas Cowboys’ entire offseason, here’s why
The Dallas Cowboys are keeping Javonte Williams after a career year from the veteran running back.
When you have a breakout season with 1,201 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns, you should get compensated. That’s why the Dallas Cowboys are extending running back Javonte Williams before free agency.
The Cowboys and Williams agreed to a three-year contract worth $24 million, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The deal includes $16 million in guaranteed money.
And while George Pickens has been stealing all the headlines this offseason, extending Williams will be one of the wisest decisions the Cowboys make this year. Let’s chat about why.
Best approach at RB
Not only was Williams a perfect fit for the Cowboys offense under head coach Brian Schottenheimer and offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, but he was also the best solution to the team’s running back needs this offseason. There aren’t expected to be many proven options available in free agency, and this year’s NFL Draft is expected to feature a mediocre running back class.
“Not a stacked QB/RB draft,” wrote NFL Network’s lead Draft expert Daniel Jeremiah. “Free agency or trade might be the way to go at those positions.”
Williams isn’t getting record-setting money, and Dallas will have a viable out on his contract by 2028. It’s just smart business for a team that already has too many needs to worry about on the defensive side of the ball. There was no reason for the Cowboys to add RB to their long list of team needs.
And as far as the football goes, it’s a great decision.
Williams is more than just a RB
You know about the yards and touchdowns, but one underrated reason why the Cowboys are extending him is his pass protection. Williams was one of the best pass blocking running backs in the NFL in 2025, and that matters for an offense with question marks at both offensive tackle spots.
Before missing the regular season finale, Williams allowed only six pressures in 113 opportunities. He was the third-best graded running back in pass pro per PFF through 16 games.
In many ways, he was Dak Prescott’s personal bodyguard in the pocket. That’s worth hanging on to. Now, Dallas can move on to worry about kicking off negotiations with Pickens’ camp at the NFL Scouting Combine starting on Monday.
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