It took Javonte Williams two full seasons to bounce back from a significant 2022 knee injury, but he properly reintroduced himself to the NFL-watching world during the 2025-26 campaign. And now he is being rewarded. The 25-year-old running back agreed to a three-year, $24 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Williams was set to hit free agency in March, but he will remain on “America's Team” for the foreseeable future. The deal includes $16 million guaranteed, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
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Dallas' lethal passing attack drew substantial praise last season, and rightly so, but Williams made the unit's job much easier by posing a serious threat on the ground. He registered 252 carries for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns in 16 games, before missing the final game with a shoulder injury.
The Cowboys will not be able to keep moving the ball at the rate they do unless they continue to establish the run. The organization clearly believes the No. 35 overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft is up to the challenge.