The Dallas Cowboys have signed free-agent running back Javonte Williams to a one-year, $3 million contract, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday.
The move comes as the Cowboys‘ leading rusher from last season, Rico Dowdle, remains a free agent. Dowdle ran for 1,079 yards in 2024, but Dallas has opted to add Williams to its backfield in hopes of boosting its rushing attack.
He would leave! Micah Parsons admits that he would not be part of the Dallas Cowboys if this happens
A promising start derailed by injuries
Williams was selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos and quickly made an impact as a rookie, rushing for 903 yards. However, his career took a hit in 2022 when he suffered a devastating knee injury in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders, tearing multiple ligaments. Despite his relentless rehab efforts, Williams has struggled to regain his early-career explosiveness.
In 2024, Williams led the Broncos in carries (139) and rushing yards (513), but Denver’s rushing offense remained inconsistent. Head coach Sean Payton even described the team’s ground attack as “frustrating,” citing difficulties in finding the right rotation among the running backs. Williams‘ role was significantly reduced by season’s end, carrying the ball just 12 times over the final three games, including Denver‘s playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Can Williams revive his career in Dallas?
Although Williams has improved as a pass-catcher-he recorded 52 receptions in 2024, ranking second on the team-his rushing efficiency has declined. He averaged fewer than four yards per carry in each of the last two seasons (3.6 in 2023, 3.7 in 2024), and some NFL analysts believe he has lost some of his burst since the injury.
According to NextGen Stats, Williams‘ top speed while crossing the line of scrimmage last season (15.34 mph) was the slowest among all running backs with at least 113 carries.
Over his four-year NFL career, Williams has accumulated 606 carries for 2,394 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns, along with 158 receptions for 966 yards and five receiving touchdowns.
Now, at 24 years old, he hopes to revitalize his career with the Cowboys and prove that he can still be a reliable playmaker in the NFL.
