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The Cowboys Have Signed Their 1st Outside Free Agent Of 2025

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Mar 10, 2025 8:00 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys are on the board with an external free agent signing this year.

Dallas' approach to free agency has been a major topic of discussion in recent years. Lately, the Cowboys have typically emphasized retaining their own talent rather than spending big on outside guys. Prior to the start of today's legal tampering period, Dallas continued with that practice, signing defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, safety Markquese Bell, special teamer C.J. Goodwin and long snapper Trent Sieg to new contracts.

On Monday night, the Cowboys finally signed a new player, reportedly agreeing to terms with free agent running back Javonte Williams, who spent the last four seasons with the Denver Broncos after being picked in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

"Former #Broncos RB Javonte Williams is signing a one-year, $3 million deal with the #Cowboys, per sources. Max $3.5M with incentives," NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 12: Javonte Williams #33 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball during the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on September 12, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Williams could move to the top of the Cowboys' running back depth chart if Rico Dowdle, the team's leading rusher in 2024, signs with a new team this week.

As a pro, Williams' most productive season on the ground so far came as a rookie, when he rushed for 903 yards and four touchdowns on 203 carries. Williams added 43 receptions for 316 yards and three TDs.

After missing 13 games in 2022 due to a torn ACL, Williams set a career-high in carries in 2023 with 217, but gained only 774 yards, 3.6 yards per attempt.

Last season, Williams carried the ball 139 times for 513 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 3.7 yards per carry.

FRISCO, TEXAS - JANUARY 27: New head coach of the Dallas Cowboys Brian Schottenheimer talks during at a press conference along side team owner Jerry Jones at The Star in Frisco on January 27, 2025 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)Ron Jenkins/Getty Images

Even after signing Williams, we'd assume Dallas is not done at the position this offseason. It's likely they will add another vet and/or draft a running back next month.

The running game was an issue for the Cowboys all season, and it should be a point of emphasis to fix.

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

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