The Dallas Cowboys are in need of a running back, and the Denver Broncos may have the answer for them.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine feels that the Cowboys should reach out to the Broncos to inquire about Javonte Williams, who just completed his third season in Denver’s backfield.
Ballentine suggests that Dallas trade a third-round draft pick to the Broncos in exchange for Williams, noting that the young halfback is entering the final year of his deal and is making just $1.9 million in 2024.
Williams, who played his collegiate football at the University of North Carolina, was selected by Denver in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
He enjoyed an impressive rookie campaign, playing in every game and rushing for 903 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 4.4 yards per carry. In addition, he hauled in 43 receptions for 316 yards and three scores.
The following year, however, Williams appeared in just four contests before tearing his ACL and his LCL. He returned this past season and participated in 16 games, but his production definitely suffered, as he totaled 774 yards and three touchdowns as a rusher, logging a meager 3.6 yards per attempt. He caught 47 passes for 228 yards while reaching the end zone twice as a receiver.
But with the Cowboys currently employing Deuce Vaughn and Rico Dowdle as their only running backs, they may want to take a swing on Williams anyway.
A third-round pick may be a bit steep, given that Williams is less than two years removed from a major knee injury and did not exactly rebound well in 2023. But perhaps Dallas can entice the Broncos with a fourth-rounder?
The Cowboys can also always look to the NFL Draft next month, which is probably their most likely course of action. They could also draft a running back and sign a veteran in free agency.
But if Dallas is okay testing trade waters, maybe placing a call to Denver to inquire about the availability of Williams—who is still just 23 years old—would be a decent idea.
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