Javonte Williams is headed to Dallas.
The Cowboys agreed to sign the former Broncos running back to a one-year, $3 million deal on Monday, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. With 2024 starter Rico Dowdle a free agent, Williams slides into the top spot on the team’s running back depth chart and brings some new life to Dallas’ backfield.
The running back room will certainly look different in 2025, especially with the second departure of longtime Cowboys rusher Ezekiel Elliott. Williams has the top job for now, but Dallas is still linked to Heisman Trophy finalist Ashton Jeanty in this year’s draft.
Here’s a look at the details of Williams’ contract and the Cowboys’ running back depth chart.
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Javonte Williams contract details
Williams agreed to sign a one-year, $3 million contract with the Cowboys.
Williams was drafted in the second round (35th overall) by the Broncos in the 2021 NFL Draft. He had a strong rookie season in Denver, playing in all 17 games and rushing for 903 yards and four touchdowns. Williams tore his ACL early in his second season and was unable to return. His production tailed off in 2023 and 2024, as he rushed for just 774 and 513 yards, respectively.
Javonte Williams stats
Here are Javonte Williams’ career stats:
| Season | Age | Team | G | GS | Att | Yds | TD | Lng | Rec | Yds | TD | Lng |
| 2021 | 21 | DEN | 17 | 1 | 203 | 903 | 4 | 49 | 43 | 316 | 3 | 42 |
| 2022 | 22 | DEN | 4 | 4 | 47 | 204 | 0 | 17 | 16 | 76 | 0 | 13 |
| 2023 | 23 | DEN | 16 | 13 | 217 | 774 | 3 | 21 | 47 | 228 | 2 | 18 |
| 2024 | 24 | DEN | 17 | 11 | 139 | 513 | 4 | 20 | 52 | 346 | 0 | 34 |
| Total | 54 | 29 | 606 | 2394 | 11 | 49 | 42 | 966 | 5 | 42 |
Javonte Williams injury history
Williams was a key player for the Broncos in his rookie season in 2021-22, but he tore his ACL in Week 4 of the 2022-23 season against the Las Vegas Raiders. He was unable to match his production from his rookie season in Denver after the injury.
Cowboys RB depth chart
| Rank | Player |
| 1 | Javonte Williams |
| 2 | Deuce Vaughn |
| 3 | Malik Davis |
Williams takes the top spot on the running back depth chart by signing with the Cowboys, ahead of 2023 sixth-round pick Deuce Vaughn and UDFA Malik Davis.
The Cowboys, however, are still in on Ashton Jeanty, the top running back in this year’s draft. Jeanty has been linked to the Cowboys well before the NFL offseason began, as he played high school football at Frisco Lone Star High School, just a short drive away from the Cowboys’ practice facility. The team is also in need of a difference-maker at running back after getting limited production from the position in 2024.
Either way, it’s unlikely Williams is the only move Dallas makes for its backfield this offseason.
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