Dallas Cowboys tied to All-Pro free agent who fits their low-risk, high-reward history of bets
The Dallas Cowboys still have open roster spots. Using one on this four-time Pro Bowler would make plenty of sense given the lack of experience on the running back depth chart.
There’s no question the Dallas Cowboys are all in on Javonte Williams after they signed him to a three-year contract worth $24 million. But that doesn’t mean their running back can’t get any better.
Behind Williams, the Cowboys have promising but inexperienced young players. Though the coaching staff is excited about 2025 draft picks Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, both saw limited playing time as rookies. So where could the team get additional experience from?
ESPN recently linked them to one of t he biggest names in free agency.
Cowboys named ‘best fit’ for Nick Chubb
ESPN’s Matt Bowen recently named the best fits for the NFL’s remaining free agents, and he listed the Cowboys for Chubb. A former second-team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, the veteran running back fits the Cowboys’ free agency mold.
Following a brutal knee injury in 2023, Chubb’s career took a turn. But since then, he has played solid football. Last year, he ran for 506 yards and three touchdowns, averaging over four yards per attempt.
Perhaps he’s not the same star as before, but as a RB2 behind Williams, he would make plenty of sense.
“A veteran grinder at this point of his career, Chubb could provide value as the Cowboys’ No. 2 or No. 3 option behind starter Javonte Williams,” writes Bowen. “Chubb can still secure catches on swings and checkdowns in the passing game, but he should be viewed as an early-down option who can use his power and vision in short-yardage situations. He rushed for 520 yards in Houston last season.”
At 30 years old, the Cowboys would be looking at an inexpensive one-year deal to add experience with the upside of a running back who once averaged 1,336 yards per season over a four-year stretch (2019-2022).
Playing against Chubb is that Williams is already a very strong early-down running back. His biggest asset in 2025 was his ability to avoid negative plays, which consistently kept the Cowboys offense in rhythm to move the chains.
Nick Chubb potential cost
The Cowboys could get Chubb on a near vet minimum deal. Last year, Chubb signed a one-year deal worth $2.5 million with the Houston Texans. His contract included a $1.5 million in guaranteed money and a $575,000 signing bonus.
Spotrac currently projects his current market value at $1.3 million per year.
Cowboys RB room overview
As it stands right now, the Cowboys running back room looks like this:
- Javonte Williams
- Hunter Luepke (fullback)
- Jaydon Blue
- Phil Mafah
- Israel Abanikanda
- Dominic Richardson (undrafted free agent)