The Dallas Cowboys’ offseason has been a whirlwind of changes, with new head coach Brian Schottenheimer tasked with revitalizing a team that stumbled to a disappointing 7-10 record in 2024. Among the flurry of moves was the signing of former Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams to a one-year, $3 million contract, with incentives pushing it to a potential $3.5 million. Heralded as a blockbuster addition due to his explosive rookie season in 2021, Williams was expected to bolster the Cowboys’ lackluster rushing attack, which ranked 27th in the NFL last season with just 1,705 yards. However, just months after inking the deal, reports suggest Williams is teetering on the edge of being cut from the roster. What’s going on in Dallas, and why is a player with such promise facing an uncertain future?
A Promising Start Derailed by Injury
Javonte Williams entered the NFL with high expectations after being selected by the Denver Broncos in the second round (No. 35 overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he showcased his potential as a three-down back, racking up 903 rushing yards and 316 receiving yards for a total of 1,219 yards from scrimmage, along with seven touchdowns. His 4.4 yards per carry and ability to break tackles (134 missed tackles forced in his career) made him a standout, with one of his best performances coming against the Cowboys, where he rushed for 111 yards on 17 carries in a 30-16 Broncos victory.
However, a devastating knee injury in Week 4 of the 2022 season—a torn ACL, LCL, and posterolateral corner—halted his momentum. The injury sidelined him for 13 games, and while he returned in 2023 to post a respectable 1,002 yards from scrimmage, his explosiveness seemed diminished. In 2024, his production dipped further, with just 513 rushing yards on 139 carries (3.7 yards per carry) and 859 total offensive yards, marking career lows for a full season. This regression, coupled with an improved Broncos offensive line and a reliable quarterback in Bo Nix, raised questions about Williams’ ability to regain his rookie form.
The Cowboys’ Backfield Overhaul
The Cowboys’ decision to sign Williams came as part of a broader effort to revamp their running back room after losing key contributors. Rico Dowdle, who led the team with 1,079 rushing yards in 2024, signed a one-year, $2.75 million deal with the Carolina Panthers, leaving a void in Dallas’ backfield. Ezekiel Elliott, another veteran, joined the Los Angeles Chargers’ practice squad, further depleting the unit. To address this, the Cowboys not only signed Williams but also brought in former Pro Bowl running back Miles Sanders and drafted two rookies, Jaydon Blue (fifth round, No. 149) and Phil Mafah (seventh round, No. 239), in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The addition of Williams was initially seen as a low-risk, high-reward move. At 24 years old (turning 25 in April 2025), he offered youth, experience, and versatility as a runner, receiver, and pass-blocker. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer emphasized the need for a running back with “vision” and “contact balance” who could “run through arm tackles” and catch passes out of the backfield—traits Williams displayed early in his career. However, the crowded backfield has created intense competition, and Williams’ lackluster 2024 season has put him under scrutiny.
Why Is Williams on the Roster Bubble?
Despite the optimism surrounding his signing, multiple analysts have raised concerns about Williams’ fit in Dallas. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell suggested there’s a chance Williams might not make the Cowboys’ 53-man roster, questioning the logic of replacing Dowdle, a 1,000-yard rusher, with a back who averaged just 3.7 yards per carry in 2024 and posted the league’s fifth-worst success rate since his 2022 injury. Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay labeled the signing as one of the NFL’s worst free-agent deals, arguing that Williams’ injury history and nearly double the career touches of Dowdle (764 vs. 387) make him a risky investment. Kristopher Knox, also from Bleacher Report, predicted that Williams could lose his roster spot if he fails to outperform Sanders, Deuce Vaughn, or the rookie duo of Blue and Mafah in training camp, noting that cutting him would save Dallas $2 million in cap space.
The competition in the Cowboys’ backfield is fierce. Miles Sanders, a former second-round pick and 2022 Pro Bowler with the Philadelphia Eagles, brings starting experience and is seen as a potential frontrunner for the lead role. Deuce Vaughn, a 2023 sixth-round pick, offers dynamic playmaking ability despite his smaller stature, while rookies Blue and Mafah bring fresh legs and upside. Schottenheimer’s offensive scheme, which prioritizes explosiveness and pass-catching ability, puts additional pressure on Williams to prove he can recapture his pre-injury form.
Williams’ Response and Outlook
Despite the skepticism, Williams remains confident in his recovery and potential. In May 2025, he told the Cowboys’ official website, “I feel completely like myself. I probably can get more flexible and things like that, but as far as healing up, that I feel like is done.” He emphasized his focus on working hard and letting his performance dictate his role, stating, “They didn’t really tell me too much about that stuff, all I know is just come in here and work every day, and everything else is going to take care of itself.” Williams has also expressed excitement about joining Schottenheimer’s system and contributing to a “winning, championship culture” in Dallas.
The @Broncos LITERALLY carry Javonte Williams into the end zone 😂😂
📺: #ATLvsDEN on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/6TMoZdhiwl— NFL (@NFL) November 17, 2024
The Cowboys’ coaching staff appears to be giving Williams a fair shot, as he has received significant first-team reps during early OTAs. However, with a rotation-based approach expected rather than relying on a single workhorse back, Williams must stand out in training camp and the preseason to secure his spot. His versatility as a receiver (52 receptions for 346 yards in 2024) and pass-blocker could be a saving grace, but he’ll need to demonstrate the explosiveness that made him a standout rookie.
A Strategic Gamble for Dallas
The Cowboys’ decision to sign Williams reflects a calculated gamble by owner and general manager Jerry Jones, who has a history of taking chances on talented players with injury concerns. At just $3 million, the contract is low-risk, but the potential reward hinges on Williams returning to his 2021 form. If Williams fails to impress, the Cowboys have options in Sanders, Vaughn, Blue, and Mafah, and they could still target a running back in the draft or free agency to complement their backfield.
The broader context of Dallas’ offseason adds complexity to the situation. The team has made bold moves, including trading for wide receiver George Pickens and signing offensive linemen Hakeem Adeniji and Saahdiq Charles, signaling a commitment to rebuilding the offense. However, the loss of key players like Dowdle and cornerback Jourdan Lewis, coupled with the retirement of nine-time Pro Bowl guard Zack Martin, underscores the pressure to get these new additions right.
What’s Next for Williams and the Cowboys?
As training camp looms, Williams’ fate will depend on his ability to outshine his competitors and prove he can be the dynamic playmaker Dallas envisioned when they signed him. A strong preseason could solidify his role as a key piece of Schottenheimer’s offense, potentially as a 1B back in a shared backfield. Conversely, a lackluster performance could see him cut, saving the Cowboys cap space and allowing them to pivot to younger or more explosive options.
The Cowboys’ running back situation is emblematic of their broader offseason strategy: taking calculated risks to address glaring needs while maintaining flexibility for further moves. Whether Williams becomes a cornerstone of their revamped rushing attack or a cautionary tale of a post-injury decline remains to be seen. For now, the former blockbuster rookie faces a critical juncture in his career, with the 2025 season shaping up as a make-or-break moment in Dallas.