Cowboys’ tough free agency decision on Javonte Williams should be easier than it initially seemed
This is starting to look like a no-brainer for the Dallas Cowboys ahead of the 2026 NFL free agency window.
Though George Pickens will steal the spotlight of the Dallas Cowboys’ free agency class, the decision they make on running back Javonte Williams is one of the most intriguing ones they’ll make.
Fresh off of a career year, Williams will force the Cowboys to decide between rolling the dice on someone else—through free agency or the NFL Draft—or doing something they refused to with Tony Pollard and Rico Dowdle: Extend him to a multi-year deal.
While the decision won’t be easy, the latest insight from NFL Draft expert Daniel Jeremiah shows why it should be simpler than it appeared at first.
Cowboys will struggle to find a RB in the Draft
According to Jeremiah, running back will not be a deep position in this year’s draft class.
“This draft is excellent at DL and WR,” he wrote on his X account. “Not a stacked QB/RB draft. Free agency or trade might be the way to go at those positions.”
For the Cowboys, draft depth will be more relevant than usual. Though they own two first-round choices, they won’t be picking again until Round 4, barring any trades. They gave up their second round pick in their trade for Quinnen Williams, and their third-rounder was used to acquire George Pickens.
Williams is worth it
Last season was William’s healthiest since his rookie season in 2021 and it showed. He played a full season and set new career highs in rushing yards (1,201), rushing touchdowns (11), and yards per attempt (4.8). When the season starts, he will be 26 years old.
Even after his best season yet, I don’t expect him to be a blue-chip free agent. Even less so in a free agency class featuring Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker, Breece Hall, and Travis Etienne Jr.
I would expect his contract value to be somewhere around $7-9 million per year, with two years of guaranteed salary.
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer has been outspoken about how valuable a physical run game is to his scheme. Williams showed he gives you that consistently. This is starting to look like a no-brainer decision for Dallas. Their best option at RB is already on their ranks. Just re-sign him.
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