After signing running back Javonte Williams to a three-year, $24 million extension, the Dallas Cowboys are far from done and could be entertaining the idea of signing Kareem Hunt in free agency. While the Cowboys have solidified their run game by finding their long-term downhill runner, it wouldn’t be too much of a surprise to see the team sign a low-stakes backup to a $1 million contract. With Williams out of the free agent market, there are still a ton of free agents out there for the Cowboys to eye.
Last offseason, the Cowboys signed Williams and veteran Miles Sanders to one-year deals to identify who will eventually lead the backfield unit. With Sanders likely gone, this would allow the opportunity for the Cowboys to sign Hunt.
Cowboys Javonte Williams Extension May Lead to Free Agent Kareem Hunt Signing
Unlike former teammate and free agent Isiah Pacheco, Hunt isn’t going to fetch a long-term deal anymore at this stage in his career. Entering his ninth season this year, the former Toledo product is the perfect fit for the Cowboys’ short-yardage gain. Last season, the team struggled with Sanders to fit the open holes in certain situations while leaving Williams to garner most of the yardage. This means Hunt is the perfect solution for Dallas’ woes, as he won’t be getting any starting reps anymore.
The Cowboys could use a true bruiser like Hunt to pulverize defenders, and he might be a crucial ingredient to convert for first-down possessions. During the 2025 season, he had 163 carries for 611 yards and eight rushing touchdowns to go with a receiving touchdown. Hunt still has a lot left in the tank at 30-years-old, so it shouldn’t be surprising to see Jerry Jones look into getting him.
Mentor for RB Jaydon Blue
This is the perfect situation for stalled running back Jaydon Blue. The former 2025 draft pick had somewhat of a solid season towards the end, but he hasn’t convinced the team that he could turn into a long-term solution, which is why they extended Williams. Hunt isn’t going to spend several years with the Cowboys, but his veteran presence could be a good one for Blue to learn from to turn himself into a solid back once Hunt is eventually gone.