The Dallas Cowboys are set to undergo some major changes to the offense in the 2025 season.
With head coach Mike McCarthy on his way out, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer will take over, and Klayton Adams will take over his old role. Not only that, but All-Pro guard Zack Martin has retired from the NFL, leaving the Cowboys with a big hole in the interior.
The Cowboys have re-signed numerous players over the past few days, including defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa. On Monday, Jerry Jones and company revealed their first free agent signing of 2025, getting former Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams on a one-year deal, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
"Former Broncos RB Javonte Williams is signing a one-year, $3 million deal with the #Cowboys, per sources. Max $3.5M with incentives," Pelissero wrote on X.
Williams has been a solid option at running back for the Broncos over the past four seasons, totaling nearly 2,400 rushing yards on 4.0 yards per attempt. The Cowboys had a solid option at running back in 2024 as well in Rico Dowdle.
Dowdle earned the full-time starting running back job in 2024 after three seasons as the backup. He was able to eclipse 1000 yards on the season after tallying 100+ rushing yards in four of five games down the stretch.
However, with Dowdle a free agent and the Cowboys signing Williams, it appears the former South Carolina star won't be returning to Dallas, per Dallas Morning News' David Moore.
"Landing RB Javonte Williams in free agency means that Rico Dowdle won't return, a person w/ knowledge of the club's thinking said," Moore wrote on X. "Williams is regarded as a comparable talent to Dowdle & more cost effective. Dallas is committed to selecting a RB in next month's draft."
Landing RB Javonte Williams in free agency means that Rico Dowdle won't return, a person w/ knowledge of the club's thinking said. Williams is regarded as a comparable talent to Dowdle & more cost effective.
Dallas is committed to selecting a RB in next month's draft.
— David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) March 10, 2025
One of the Cowboys' biggest weaknesses from the past season was their running game, averaging only 100.3 yards per game (27th in the NFL). The addition of Williams may not be enough for Dallas, with Ezekiel Elliott on the way out too.
But the Cowboys have been projected to look at a running back in the 2025 NFL Draft, with some mentioning Boise State's Ashton Jeanty at No. 12.
Related: Micah Parsons Sends Strong Message to Departing Cowboys Veteran
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This story was originally published March 10, 2025 at 7:29 PM.