Cowboys Could Target Underrated Cornerback Josh Williams in Free Agency

As the Dallas Cowboys work aggressively to restructure contracts and create salary cap flexibility, the organization must balance ambition with financial discipline. While blockbuster signings often dominate headlines during the offseason, championship-caliber rosters are frequently built through smaller, strategic additions. Not every move needs to be a home run—sometimes a series of smart, affordable acquisitions can have just as much impact.

This philosophy could play a crucial role for Dallas in the 2026 offseason. After recently restructuring contracts for key stars like Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Tyler Smith to create significant cap space, the Cowboys are expected to explore cost-effective options in free agency. One intriguing possibility is cornerback Joshua Williams, who previously played for the Kansas City Chiefs.

According to analyst Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report, Williams could be one of the best value signings available at his position this offseason.

A Potential Bargain in the Secondary

Gagnon projects Williams could sign a one-year contract worth roughly $1.5 million, which would make him an extremely affordable addition for Dallas.

At just 26 years old, Williams still has considerable upside. Originally selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, he demonstrated strong performance metrics early in his career. In both the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Williams ranked among the top ten NFL cornerbacks in yards allowed per target, an advanced statistic that measures how effectively a defender limits opposing receivers.

However, in 2025 his playing time decreased significantly. The Chiefs had one of the league’s deepest secondaries, which pushed Williams into a reduced role. As a result, his production faded from the spotlight despite his promising underlying metrics.

For teams willing to look beyond surface statistics, that situation can create an opportunity. A player who was once trending upward may become available at a discounted price simply because he spent a season buried on the depth chart.

That is exactly why analysts believe Dallas could benefit from targeting him.

Size, Athleticism, and Untapped Potential

Physically, Williams fits the mold of a modern NFL cornerback. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing around 191 pounds, he offers rare length and size for the position. Those traits allow him to match up well against taller wide receivers, particularly in contested catch situations near the sideline or in the red zone.

In addition to his frame, Williams has shown impressive athletic ability and fluid movement skills. His combination of length, speed, and recovery ability makes him particularly useful in man-coverage schemes.

When paired with strong coaching and consistent playing time, players with these physical tools often develop into reliable starters.

That possibility makes Williams one of the most intriguing under-the-radar defensive free agents entering the market.

An Unlikely Path to the NFL

Williams’ journey to the professional level is also remarkable. He played college football at Fayetteville State University, a historically Black university that rarely produces NFL draft picks.

When the Chiefs selected him 135th overall in the 2022 draft, Williams became the first player in school history to be drafted into the NFL. His selection alone represented a milestone for the program.

But Williams didn’t simply reach the league—he quickly contributed.

Early Success with the Kansas City Chiefs

During his rookie season with Kansas City, Williams delivered one of the most memorable plays of his young career. In the AFC Championship Game against the Cincinnati Bengals, he intercepted star quarterback Joe Burrow late in the game, sealing the victory for the Chiefs.

That clutch moment helped send Kansas City to the Super Bowl, where the team ultimately captured the championship. Remarkably, Williams won two Super Bowl titles in his first two seasons with the franchise and appeared in the championship game in each of his first three years.

Such early success is rare for a mid-round draft pick and highlights the trust the Chiefs coaching staff once placed in him.

Another impressive aspect of Williams’ career has been his durability. Since entering the league, he has appeared in 65 of a possible 68 regular-season games, demonstrating reliability that many teams value highly in defensive backs.

Why the Cowboys Need Help at Cornerback

For Dallas, the interest in Williams would not be surprising. The Cowboys’ cornerback situation has been unstable over the past few seasons.

One of the most dramatic developments involved star defensive back Trevon Diggs. Once considered one of the league’s premier ball-hawking cornerbacks, Diggs’ relationship with the Cowboys deteriorated late in the season.

The team ultimately released him near the end of the year, and he was quickly claimed off waivers by the Green Bay Packers. The move ended what had once appeared to be a long-term partnership, particularly after Diggs had signed a five-year, $97 million contract extension in 2023.

Complicating matters further were Diggs’ injuries. After signing the extension, he played only 19 regular-season games for Dallas. In 2025 alone, he missed eight games following an unusual accident at home, which he later explained occurred when a television fell on his head while he was installing it on an outdoor patio.

Concerns Around Daron Bland

Another complicated situation involves cornerback DaRon Bland. The Cowboys signed Bland to a four-year, $92 million contract extension before the 2025 season.

While Bland had previously demonstrated elite playmaking ability, the extension raised eyebrows because he had already missed 10 games in the 2024 season due to injuries.

Unfortunately, those durability concerns continued. Bland missed five more games in 2025, fueling questions about whether injuries could remain a long-term issue.

When a team commits major salary cap resources to players who struggle to stay healthy, it becomes even more important to find affordable depth elsewhere on the roster.

Why Williams Makes Sense for Dallas

Signing Joshua Williams would represent the type of low-risk, high-reward move that financially constrained teams often pursue.

For just $1.5 million, the Cowboys could potentially add:

• A physically gifted cornerback

• A player with championship experience

• A durable defender with strong underlying statistics

• A motivated athlete eager to prove himself after a quiet season

Even if Williams does not immediately become a starter, he could still provide valuable depth and competition within the secondary.

And if he performs at the level he showed earlier in his career, the Cowboys might uncover one of the biggest bargains of the offseason.

The Bigger Picture

For the Cowboys, building a Super Bowl contender will likely require both bold moves and smart bargains. While star players like Prescott and Lamb will continue to lead the offense, complementary additions across the roster will ultimately determine how far the team can go.

Players like Joshua Williams may not generate massive headlines, but these types of signings often play a crucial role in championship runs.

If Dallas can identify several undervalued contributors like him, the team could transform its financial limitations into a strategic advantage—building depth, strengthening weaknesses, and keeping its Super Bowl aspirations alive.