Who sits directly behind standout running back Javonte Williams on the Dallas Cowboys' depth chart remains to be seen. But what if the answer to the team's backfield uncertainty wasn't any of their in-house alternatives?
As things stand, undrafted veteran Malik Davis seems to be the leader in the clubhouse to be Williams' backup. The Cowboys will give 2025 fifth-round pick Jaydon Blue opportunities to win the job, though, and his draft classmate, Phil Mafah, can’t be overlooked either.
However, none of the names mentioned instill much confidence as a viable understudy to Williams at this point. That could prompt Dallas to explore the trade market, and the Los Angeles Chargers' Kimani Vidal profiles as an intriguing potential target.
Chargers RB Kimani Vidal could be Cowboys' unexpected answer behind Javonte WilliamsÂ
Bleacher Report's Moe Moton identified Vidal as the Chargers' representative on a list of one player each squad should consider moving before the upcoming campaign. The third-year back might become expendable in Los Angeles — and he'd instantly be the No. 2 option to Williams in Dallas.
Vidal proved capable of '[handling] the workload of a lead ball-carrier' while replacing injured bell-cow Omarion Hampton for L.A. last season, as Moton noted. Yet, they went out and added speedster Keaton Mitchell in free agency this offseason, whose arrival may present an opportunity for the Cowboys.
Mitchell is a better fit for how the Chargers want to play under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, like Moton touched on. Naturally, it's fair to wonder if Vidal becomes the odd man out, and Dallas fits the description of a logical landing spot.
"Despite his contributions in the previous season, Vidal could drop to No. 3 on the depth chart if Mitchell flashes his pre-ACL-injury quickness," Moton wrote.
"If Vidal falls out of favor in McDaniel's offense, the Chargers may look to deal him to a team that needs to bolster its backfield committee."
Across 13 games (10 starts) last season, Vidal drew at least 18 carries four times, per Moton. The 2024 sixth-round selection impressively posted five 100-plus scrimmage-yard performances. Davis, Blue and Mafah haven't come close to showing that high of a ceiling, let alone fill a change-of-pace role.
84 tailbacks recorded at least 25 totes in 2025, including the playoffs, and Vidal was among the bunch. The Troy product didn't light up the box score by any stretch of the imagination, but he ranked above average in the following categories:
- 25th in breakaway percentage (27.0)
- 31st in yards after contact (482)
- Tied for 32nd in 15-plus yard gains on designed rushing attempts (six)
- Tied for 33rd in explosive runs (14)
Note: Advanced metrics courtesy of Pro Football Focus' premium stats ($).
It probably wouldn't take much to acquire Vidal from the Chargers, considering his expiring contract and Mitchell's presence. Nevertheless, the former is a physical runner, a solid playmaker, and doesn't turn 25 until August, so perhaps there's untapped upside to be had, too.
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