The Dallas Cowboys found one of the best bargains of NFL free agency when they signed running back Javonte Williams to a one-year deal worth just $3 million. In Week 8, he's going to get a chance to personally remind his old team, the Denver Broncos, what they're missing.
Williams was a second-round pick by the Broncos in the 2021 NFL Draft, and once looked like he was well on his way to being a perennial top-10 back in the league. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury in 2022 and struggled to get back to form in 2023 and 2024.
The Broncos' loss has been the Cowboys' gain, and Williams has the second-most rushing yards in the NFL through seven weeks of the 2025 season. However, as good as he's played in Dallas, he's not taking the bait to talk about getting any "revenge" against the Broncos.
Cowboys RB Javonte Williams pleads the fifth when asked about getting revenge vs. the Broncos
Cowboys RB Javonte Williams is second in the NFL in rushing with 592 yards, 7 total TDs.
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) October 20, 2025
Next week: the Broncos, his former team. “I don’t even want to talk about it,” he said laughing.
“I don’t really think there’s a ceiling (for our offense). I’ve been saying it, once we get… pic.twitter.com/ChBtKryz7a
Obviously, things didn't end the way Javonte Williams or the Broncos would have wanted while he was still in Denver. As a second-round pick, and someone who was selected in Broncos GM George Paton's first ever draft with the team, the Broncos hoped Williams would be a core player for them.
For whatever reason -- health, scheme, or otherwise -- Williams simply could not get back to the form we saw in his rookie year in Denver. And because the Broncos made no attempt to get him back in free agency, it's understandable that there would be a bit of a chip on his shoulder heading into this game.
He's just not going to talk about it to everyone else. But internally, you can bet that Williams and the rest of his teammates are motivated to help him make a statement as Dallas looks to get above .500 in Denver this coming weekend.
Williams just ran for over 100 yards in the Cowboys' win against the Commanders, his second game already this season with over 100 yards rushing. He's already matched his career-high with seven total touchdowns, and is well on his way to setting a new career-best in yards from scrimmage.
It's been a tremendous bounce-back year for Williams, who maybe just needed the change of scenery. And the Mile High landscape will provide the backdrop for the next chapter in his comeback story.
He's already proven the Broncos were wrong to move on from him without any resistance whatsoever, but now he has a chance to really make it hurt. And as you would expect from him, he's going to do it with his play on the field as opposed to any bulletin board material he gives the media.