The Dallas Cowboys didn't need to make an outside move to answer their biggest backfield question that has been hanging over them since January. It turns out the answer was already on their 90-man roster.
Javonte Williams is established as the starter after rushing for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025. However, the backup role behind him is uncertain. As a rookie, Jaydon Blue showed potential but struggled with consistency.
In five games, he had 38 carries for 129 yards and one touchdown, averaging 3.4 yards per carry. Fumbling issues and poor preparation habits eventually led the coaching staff to make him a healthy scratch for most of the year.
These struggles fit his profile as a developmental project. Dallas drafted him in the fifth round in 2025. Because of Blue's rocky start, analysts linked the former Browns running back Nick Chubb as a cheap and decent backup. Offensive Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has resisted that move, choosing to develop the young players already on the roster.
The second-year head coach also addressed Blue directly during a recent press conference. Schottenheimer said Blue has a chance to be a big part of the offense this season, calling his growth "night and day from where he was last year," per Cowboys reporter Jon Machota.
That statement aligns with the coach's offseason strategy. Schottenheimer previously expressed confidence in a young backfield consisting of Blue, Malik Davis and seventh-round pick Phil Mafah, urging the group to earn the open backup spots.
Blue, 22, offers the Cowboys pure speed, which an older back like Chubb lacks. Blue's best rookie performance came in the Week 18 finale against the Giants, where he had 64 yards on 16 carries and scored his first career touchdown.
If Blue has truly turned things like night and day, Dallas just filled an offseason hole without spending a dollar.
More NFL news: