Dallas Cowboys fans won't believe it until they see it, but signs are pointing to the front office being more aggressive in free agency than usual. Not since 2012 has the franchise spent more than $10 million per year on an external free agent.
The reality is pretty simple: Dallas has too many holes to rely only on the NFL Draft. While most of the offense is under contract for 2026, starting running back Javonte Williams is not. The Cowboys have stated publicly that they want Williams back, but it's never that simple.
Nobody would fuss if Williams re-signs, but the RB market is actually really strong this year, and it's headlined by Super Bowl 60 MVP Kenneth Walker.
While the Seahawks want to keep Walker, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that they are unlikely to use the franchise tag or transition tag on the 25-year-old. This gives Dallas a much-needed lifeline as they work to get their ducks in a row before the legal tampering period opens on March 9.
More about the Seahawks being unlikely to tag Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III:https://t.co/jfATbqJafZ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 17, 2026
Seahawks just handed the Dallas Cowboys a Kenneth Walker lifeline
The Seahawks are playing a risky game with their playoff hero. Tagging Walker could cost $14.5 million -- all of which would count against the 2026 salary cap -- while the transition would cost $11.7 million.
Choosing not to tag Walker likely means Seattle wants to sign him to a multi-year deal, but intentions don’t always result in agreements.
There's a discussion to be had about the Cowboys giving a lot of money to a running back. They have needs all over the defense and still need to extend George Pickens. However, that doesn't mean they should cheap out on the position.
READ MORE: Wild George Pickens trade pitch is too good for Jerry Jones to pass on
Yes, Javonte Williams only made $3 million in 2025, but he proved to be a massive bargain, ranking 11th among running backs with 4.8 yards per carry, fifth with 3.56 yards after contact per attempt, and seventh with 47 missed tackles forced, per Pro Football Focus.
Offensive coordinator Klayton Adams is one of the better run designers in the NFL, but you can't just throw any RB into the backfield. With no obvious successor lined up and the 2026 draft class being incredibly weak, Dallas may have to find an answer in free agency.
That may end up being Williams, but Walker would be one heck of a pivot if the price is right. With 33 explosive runs on 221 carries this past season, he brings a big-play element that Williams does not because of his lack of long speed.
Again, the price has to be right, but the Cowboys would be silly not to give Walker a ring.