Javonte Williams: Everything you need to know

Williams (shoulder) and the Cowboys agreed to terms on a three-year, $24 million contract Saturday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. The new deal includes $16 million in guaranteed money and ensures that Williams doesn't enter the new league year as an unrestricted free agent. The North Carolina product inked a one-year deal with the Cowboys in March of 2025 after spending the first four years of his NFL career with the Broncos, and he enjoyed a breakout season in his first year with Dallas, when he turned 252 carries into 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns while catching 35 passes (on 51 targets) for 137 yards and two scores over 16 regular-season games. The deal solidifies Williams as the Cowboys' RB1 while Malik Davis (eye) and 2025 fifth-rounder Jaydon Blue both operate in rotational roles.

The Cowboys placed Williams (shoulder) on injured reserve Saturday, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports. Williams was already ruled out for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Giants due to a lingering shoulder injury, but his placement on injured reserve opens up a spot on Dallas' 53-man roster for the activation of Phil Mafah (shoulder) from IR. With Williams and Malik Davis (eye/calf) both out, Mafah and rookie Jaydon Blue are set to lead the Cowboys' backfield for Week 18. Williams enjoyed a career year in Dallas and will end the 2025 season with 252 carries for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns while adding 35 catches (on 51 targets) for 137 yards and two scores across 16 games. Williams signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Cowboys in March and will enter the 2026 offseason as a free agent.

Williams (shoulder/neck) has been ruled out for Sunday's game at the Giants, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports. With fellow running back Malik Davis (eye) also ruled out, Dallas likely will turn to rookies Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah (shoulder). Mafah is listed as questionable after upgrading to full practice participation Friday, seemingly on track to be activated from injured reserve by Saturday afternoon. There hasn't been any indication that Williams' neck/shoulder injury is a long-term concern, but there's no reason to risk it on the eve of free agency. The Cowboys have publicly expressed interest in re-signing Williams after his breakout campaign on a one-year contract.