The Dallas Cowboys told ESPN’s Adam Shefater on Monday that sources agreed to a one-year, $3 million contract with free agent who would drive Javonte Williams back.
Rico Dowdle, who led the Cowboys in 1,079 rushing yards last season, is a free agent.
Williams, the 2021 Denver Broncos’ second draft pick, saw his role slightly diminished over the past two seasons. He still led the team in 2024 with carry (139) and rushing yards (513), but he was also part of a Broncos running game that was generally frustrating as manager Sean Payton couldn’t find the “right” rotation.
The 24-year-old Williams only had 12 carries in Denver’s final three games, including a playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills. That stretch included a zero-carry game with a 17-week loss with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Williams was a rookie revelation to beat tackle in 2021, rushing for 903 yards. However, in 2022 he suffered a catastrophic knee injury in a fourth week loss for the Las Vegas Raiders – Williams tore multiple ligaments and suffered other damage to his knee – and although he worked tirelessly to get back on the field, his production had not returned to his rookie level.
He improved as a receiver every year, and in 2024 he was one of the most reliable targets of rookie quarterback Bonicks, with 52 receptions ranked second in the team. But as a runner, Williams averaged less than four yards per carry in each of the last two seasons (3.6 in 2023, 3.7 last season), and some of the league said they have never seen the same explosiveness since contact since his injury.
According to Nextgen Stats, Williams had the slowest speed of all backs with at least 113 carries when he crossed the line of scrimmage last season (15.34 mph).
Overall, Williams has 606 carry for 2,394 yards and 11 TDs in four NFL seasons. He also has 158 catches for 966 yards and five scores.
Jeff Legwold of ESPN contributed to this report.
