Cowboys Make Decision On Javonte Williams Before Free Agency

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Feb 21, 2026 5:30 PM ET

The 2025 NFL season was a frustrating and disappointing one for the Dallas Cowboys, but it was clear throughout the season that there are some very good building blocks for the team heading into 2026. One of those building blocks is now being rewarded for his efforts.

According to sports agent Nicole Lynn of Klutch Sports via NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Cowboys running back Javonte Williams has agreed to a three-year, $24 million contract with the Cowboys. Williams was the Cowboys' leading rusher in 2025, finishing the year with 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns - ninth and eighth in the NFL respectively.

"The #Cowboys and standout RB Javonte Williams have agreed to terms on a 3-year deal worth $24M, sources say. Dallas keeps a big-time player. He gets his $8M per year after a breakout season in a deal was done by @AgentNicoleLynn of @KlutchSports," Rapoport wrote on X.

The #Cowboys and standout RB Javonte Williams have agreed to terms on a 3-year deal worth $24M, sources say. Dallas keeps a big-time player.

He gets his $8M per year after a breakout season in a deal was done by @AgentNicoleLynn of @KlutchSports. pic.twitter.com/xHTcWxl4VF
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 21, 2026

A bright future

Williams played his first four seasons with the Denver Broncos from 2021 to 2024 after going 35th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. He showed plenty of promise as a rookie, recording over 1,200 yards from scrimmage on an otherwise lackluster Broncos team.

Injuries limited Williams to just four games in 2022 and by the time he came back in 2023, he was averaging less than four yards a carry.

After the 2024 season, Williams signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Dallas Cowboys and was named the starter. He performed admirably before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in early-January.

Dec 25, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) runs onto the field for warmups before the game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images© Amber Searls-Imagn Images

The Cowboys offense was rock solid in 2025 under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer and offensive coordinator Klayton Adams. The 471 points scored were the 4th-most in team history.

It was the defense that relegated them to a 7-9-1 record and another year without the playoffs.

This might be a move that pays off well for the Cowboys.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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