The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to a three-year contract with running back Javonte Williams, securing a key offensive player ahead of the free agency period. This agreement comes after Williams' successful first season with the team, during which he achieved career-high statistics. The deal's financial terms and implications for the Cowboys' future roster are now a focal point.
The contract ensures continuity in the Cowboys' backfield and signals a commitment to Williams following a strong performance.
Contract Details and Performance Metrics
The agreement between the Cowboys and Javonte Williams is a three-year deal worth $24 million, including $16 million in guaranteed money and a $6 million signing bonus. This pact will keep Williams with the team through the upcoming seasons and prevents him from becoming an unrestricted free agent.
Williams' performance last season was a significant factor in the negotiations:
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He rushed for 1,201 yards, a career high.
He scored 11 rushing touchdowns, also a career best.
He averaged 4.8 yards per carry, a notable figure.
He also contributed 35 receptions for 137 yards and two touchdowns as a receiver out of the backfield.
His yardage total ranked him among the top performers in the NFL for the season.
Player's Journey to Dallas
Javonte Williams joined the Dallas Cowboys on a one-year contract prior to the last season. His prior career with the Denver Broncos was marked by significant promise, including a season where he recorded 903 rushing yards. However, a severe knee injury in his second year, involving tears to his ACL and LCL, temporarily disrupted his career trajectory. After a period of recovery, Williams rejoined the active play, and his recent season with Dallas demonstrated a return to form and effectiveness.

Team Strategy and Future Considerations
The Cowboys' decision to re-sign Williams suggests he was a priority for the team's management. By finalizing this deal before the free agency period officially opens, Dallas can now allocate more resources and attention to other pending free agents. Notably, wide receiver George Pickens is another key player whose contract status will be a focus.
Read More: Dallas Cowboys Sign Javonte Williams to 3-Year, $24 Million Contract
The agreement on Williams' contract is seen as one less major concern for the Cowboys' front office as they navigate the offseason.
Team Performance Context
Williams' contribution was vital to a Cowboys offense that ranked ninth in the NFL in rushing yards per game last season. His ability to produce significant yardage and touchdowns, alongside his reliability as a receiver, made him an essential component of the team's offensive strategy.
Conflicting Views on Player Value
While the Cowboys have committed a substantial contract to Williams, reports indicate other pending free agents, such as George Pickens, are expected to command higher salaries. This disparity may reflect differing evaluations of player value and future potential within the team's roster planning.
The investment in Williams, contrasted with the potential cost of retaining other key players, presents a strategic challenge for the Cowboys.
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Conclusion and Implications
The three-year, $24 million contract for Javonte Williams represents a significant investment by the Dallas Cowboys. It validates his performance during his first year with the team and secures a crucial offensive weapon. With Williams' future settled, the organization can now concentrate on retaining other high-profile free agents. The deal underscores the team's intent to build upon last season's success, with Williams playing a central role in their offensive plans.
Primary Sources:
ESPN: Reported the agreement, detailing financial terms and contract length. https://www.espn.ph/nfl/story//id/47998129/cowboys-agree-three-year-deal-rb-williams
NFL.com: Confirmed the terms of the contract extension and highlighted Williams' performance metrics. https://www.nfl.com/news/cowboys-rb-javonte-williams-agree-to-terms-on-three-year-24-million-contract-extension
FOX Sports: Also reported on the agreement, emphasizing the financial aspect and the player's role in the offense. https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/rb-javonte-williams-cowboys-reportedly-agree-24-million-deal
Heavy.com: Discussed the decision in the context of Williams' recovery and previous performance. https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/final-decision-running-back-javonte-williams/
The New York Times (The Athletic): Detailed the contract and its significance ahead of free agency, mentioning Williams' desire to stay in Dallas. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7062761/2026/02/21/javonte-williams-cowboys-contract-nfl-free-agency/
CBS Sports: Announced the re-signing and noted the Cowboys' subsequent focus on other free agents. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/cowboys-running-back-javonte-williams-contract-free-agency/
Pro Football Rumors: Provided details on the contract and Williams' history, including his previous injury. https://www.profootballrumors.com/2026/02/cowboys-javonte-williams-agree-to-three-year-deal
Sports Illustrated: Reported the re-signing, highlighting Williams' successful first season and the team's decision to bring him back. https://www.si.com/nfl/cowboys/cowboys-javonte-williams-free-agency
NBC Sports: Confirmed the agreement and noted the team's attention shifting to wide receiver George Pickens. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/javonte-williams-agrees-to-three-year-deal-with-cowboys