The Dallas Cowboys had a disastrous year running the football in 2024. They quickly remedied that issue with Javonte Williams leading the charge this past season.
With former Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle looking like a one-and-done for the Carolina Panthers, he's a name to watch in free agency, as Jerry Jones has the perfect opportunity to bring him back. Even if that doesn't happen, they can still have Javonte Williams as their RB1.
Re-signing Williams should be among Dallas' top priorities this offseason, and Sports Illustrated's free agency running back rankings reflect that. Williams checked in No. 2 behind Jets standout Breece Hall.
"After fizzling out with the Broncos, Williams joined the Cowboys in free agency and enjoyed a career year," Karl Rasmussen wrote. "He rushed for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns –– which matches his tally from his first four NFL seasons combined."
The Dallas Cowboys must prioritize re-signing Javonte Williams
The Cowboys got a steal in Williams last offseason. After the former second-round pick surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the first time in his career, EVP Stephen Jones made it a priority to visit with Williams' camp about re-signing.
Williams resurrected his career, and after the Cowboys struggled mightily on the ground in 2024, the Joneses sound like they want to avoid those nightmares again.
Even though the Cowboys face a projected deficit of roughly $30 million against the cap, the Joneses wouldn't have to break the bank entirely. Spotrac says Williams' next contract is in the three-year, $22 million range, which is around $7.3 million per season.
The Cowboys are in a great position to keep Williams if they want, but they can also explore their former fan favorite in Dowdle, who checked in at No. 3 in Breer's rankings.
Running back depth remains the one lingering concern about the offense. Struggling to learn the offense and concerns about pass-blocking contributed to rookie Jaydon Blue being a regular healthy scratch. He made the most of his Week 18 opportunity, however, rushing for 64 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries.
Blue said afterwards that it was a preview of next season. The Cowboys really need that to be true, even if they bring Williams back.
Blue’s quickness and elusiveness are the perfect counterpunch to Williams’ bowling ball style of running. The Cowboys have the makings of a balanced backfield if the Joneses follow through and lock up their breakout bell cow.