Cowboys’ Big Decision: What Dallas Should Do With Javonte Williams in Offseason

As the Dallas Cowboys look ahead to the 2026 NFL offseason, one of the biggest decisions they face revolves around Javonte Williams, their star running back. Having signed Williams to a one-year deal for the 2025 season after four years with the Denver Broncos, the Cowboys took a calculated gamble. The expectation was that the zone running scheme, which has been a hallmark of their offense, would help Williams return to his former self.

What seemed like a risky bet has paid off handsomely. Now, as the season wraps up, the Cowboys must decide whether to make the move to re-sign Williams or let him walk into free agency.

Javonte Williams’ Impressive Performance in 2025

Entering the season, Williams’ production had been a mixed bag. Over the previous two seasons with Denver, he averaged fewer than four yards per attempt — not exactly the type of production you’d expect from a starting running back. But the Cowboys took a chance, and it worked out.

Williams thrived in the Cowboys’ system, proving to be more than just a solid running back. He finished with 1,201 yards on the ground and 11 touchdowns, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. His performance was integral to the Cowboys’ offensive success, and he quickly became a fan favorite in Dallas.

But now the question arises: Should the Cowboys try to lock him up long-term or let him test the open market? After his breakout season, it seems unlikely that Williams will be willing to return to Dallas for a bargain price. He’s in line for a significant payday, and the Cowboys must determine if they can — or should — match his market value.

The Decision: Is It Worth Paying Big for Javonte Williams?

The Cowboys have made it clear that they would like to re-sign Williams. According to Stephen Jones, the team’s executive vice president, the Cowboys are committed to bringing back the running back. However, with Williams’ breakout season in 2025, it’s certain that his market value has gone up. This could present a significant challenge for the Cowboys, especially considering the short shelf life of NFL running backs.

In 2025, Williams earned just $4 million — an absolute steal for the production he provided. Given that Williams hit all of his incentive-based bonuses, it’s clear that the Cowboys got more than their money’s worth out of him.

But 2026 will be different. Williams will no longer be available at a discount. The Cowboys face the reality that if they want to keep him, they’ll need to offer him a multi-year extension that reflects his value. But just how much will that cost?

What Will Williams’ Market Value Be?

NFL players, especially running backs, don’t have the longest careers, so Williams may be looking for his last big contract. If he continues to perform at a high level, he could secure a multi-year deal that locks him in for the future. Spotrac, a leading source for contract and salary cap data, estimates that a potential extension for Williams could be worth around $22 million over three years. That would make his average salary about $7.3 million per year, which seems to be a reasonable projection considering his strong season.

In truth, Williams might be able to command even more than that. The NFL running back market is highly volatile, but his strong numbers in 2025, combined with his youth and potential upside, make him an attractive free agent. Teams around the league may be lining up to sign him to a deal that could pay him more than $7.3 million annually.

If the Cowboys plan to keep him, they’ll have to be willing to make a competitive offer, which could very well push his salary into the $8–9 million per year range. The question is, are they willing to make that kind of commitment?

The Cowboys’ Options: Should They Re-Sign or Let Him Walk?

For the Dallas Cowboys, the stakes are high. On the one hand, re-signing Williams makes a lot of sense. The Cowboys’ offense was far more effective with him in the lineup. His ability to run with power, patience, and quick decision-making was a key to the team’s success in 2025. He was a crucial part of their offensive identity, and keeping him in Dallas would help maintain continuity in the backfield.

On the other hand, salary cap constraints are always a concern, and the Cowboys have several other key players they need to focus on keeping in the fold. The Cowboys will need to weigh whether committing significant cap space to Williams is the best use of their resources or if they should explore other options in free agency or the draft.

Additionally, there’s always the risk that Williams’ 2025 performance was an anomaly. While he’s shown flashes of brilliance, running back production can often fluctuate wildly from year to year. There’s also the reality that the Cowboys have other areas of need on the roster that could require investing significant financial resources.

What Could Be the Next Move for the Cowboys?

If the Cowboys decide to move forward without Williams, they will likely look to the 2026 NFL Draft for their next running back. The running back class this year is deep, with several talented prospects who could be viable replacements. The Cowboys could also explore the free-agent market, where veteran running backs might offer an immediate solution without breaking the bank.

However, the best move for the Cowboys might be to find a middle ground. Re-signing Williams to a contract that provides both financial security for the team and a fair deal for Williams could be the best option. Williams has proven that he can excel in the Cowboys’ system, and keeping him would provide the team with a proven commodity heading into the future.

But it’s important to remember that the NFL landscape is ever-changing, and things can change quickly. The Cowboys will likely have several months to make their decision, but they’ll need to act decisively when the time comes.

The Conclusion: What’s Next for Javonte Williams and the Cowboys?

The Dallas Cowboys’ 2026 offseason will be filled with questions and big decisions. Javonte Williams will be one of the most important topics as the Cowboys work to build their roster for the future. The team clearly values his contributions, but the question remains: Is he worth the price tag he will command on the open market?

As the NFL offseason approaches, expect this story to remain one of the most discussed topics among Cowboys fans and analysts alike. With several potential outcomes for Williams, the Cowboys will have to decide if re-signing him is the best move for their long-term success or if it’s time to look elsewhere.

Stay tuned for what could be one of the most intriguing decisions of the Cowboys’ offseason. Will they keep Williams? Or will another team swoop in and steal him away? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: Javonte Williams’ future in Dallas is anything but decided.