Javonte Williams: Everything you need to know

The Cowboys did not add to the running back position in the 2026 NFL Draft, leaving Williams (shoulder) positioned to reprise a bell cow role, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports. Williams re-signed with Dallas via three-year, $24 million deal in February after putting together a breakout campaign with the team in 2025, totaling 252 carries for 1,201 rushing yards (4.8 YPC) and 11 touchdowns across 16 regular-season appearances. He also secured 35 of 51 targets for 137 yards and two scores. Given that the No. 2 role behind Williams appears open to a competition between Malik Davis (eye), Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah and Israel Abanikanda, Dallas had appeared a candidate to add playmaking upside to the backfield via the NFL Draft, particularly in the form of a pass-catching complement. Instead, fourth-round offensive lineman Drew Shelton represents the team's main addition on offense, and Williams retains a clear path to a workhorse role. Williams missed Week 18 due to a shoulder issue but is presumably ready for spring activities.

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.