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Cowboys 'Fizzled-Out' Veteran Tipped To Have Make-Or-Break Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jun 6, 2025 11:21 AM ET

The Dallas Cowboys' offseason has seen over 10 fresh faces walk through the doors of The Star, and one of them was running back Javonte Williams.

A four-year starter of the Denver Broncos, after a rookie season that saw him post 903 yards and four touchdowns in 2021, an ACL injury in 2022 set his trajectory back.

He would return in 2023 to rush for 774 yards and three touchdowns, but last season, despite leading Denver in rushing attempts (139) and yards (513), he was moved on.

The Broncos totaled 461 rushing attempts last season, ranking them 13th, and Williams (139) had to split carries with Jaleel McLaughlin (113 att, 496 yards, one touchdown) and Audric Estime (76 att, 310 yards, two touchdowns).

Now he's in Dallas, and NFL.com's Nick Shook thinks it's make-or-break time for Javonte.

"Williams fizzled out in Denver and ended up accepting a one-year, $3 million deal to headline Dallas' underwhelming backfield," Shook writes. "The sizzle he once brought to the Broncos faded before 2024, but he has a rare opportunity to regain it for a Cowboys team that should boast some offensive firepower, with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens at receiver. If Williams is going to command a starting job anywhere in the NFL from here on out, it must begin in Dallas."

Williams and fellow veteran Miles Sanders are seen as the top two candidates for the starting role, with Sanders, according to our own Mike Fisher, standing out at OTAs.

So Javonte will have a battle on his hands to work his way past Sanders, but in truth, given how Schottenheimer wants his offense to work, a multiple-back rotation will likely take place.

As for Williams, he has shown that he can be the leading man, and he must prove that he's past his ACL injury and ready to shoulder the load once again.

The running back room is one of the most fascinating to watch in Oxnard, and who will eventually take their spot atop the depth chart is anyone's guess.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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