The Cowboys have locked up one of their franchise players for the foreseeable future.
Dallas signed running back Javonte Williams to a three-year contract, the team announced on Saturday.
According to multiple reports, the deal is expected to be worth $24 million, $16 million of which will be guaranteed.
Dallas running back Javonte Williams runs up field during the Cowboys’ loss to the Lions on Dec. 4, 2025, in Detroit. AP
The contract comes after the 25-year-old had a breakout 2025 season for the Cowboys in which he ran for 1,201 yards on 252 carries and scored 11 rushing touchdowns, good for eighth most in the NFL.
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He also had a solid receiving game as well last season, racking up two touchdowns in the air while catching 35 passes for 137 yards, giving quarterback Dak Prescott a reliable short target.
Williams was on a one-year contract with Dallas last season after spending four years with the Broncos, and the Cowboys made sure to offer him a new deal before he hit free agency.
Now that Williams is under contract, the Cowboys can shift their focus on other players set to hit free agency, the most notable of which being wide receiver George Pickens.
Pickens, who was traded to Dallas ahead of last season, had a career-year, racking up 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 93 receptions through 17 games played, earning him his first career Pro Bowl appearance.
Dallas running back Javonte Williams (33) celebrates with quarterback Dak Prescott (4) after a touchdown during the Cowboys’ loss to the Vikings on Dec. 14, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The 24-year-old wideout is likely going for a top-end deal this offseason, but the Cowboys might shy away from such offer as CeeDee Lamb is already on a 4-year, $136 million contract, $100 million of which is guaranteed.
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Following Pickens’ stellar year, longtime Cowboys broadcaster Brad Sham has insisted that getting him back should be Dallas’ top priority this offseason.
“Every indication is that they see Pickens as essential to what they’re building on offense,” Sham, who’s often dubbed the “Voice of the Dallas Cowboys,” told The Sporting News on Saturday. “Everything has been about the importance of having him and Lamb together.
“The more pressing question is whether they can work out something longer term and avoid any contract drama.”
