The Denver Broncos made a bold move this offseason, letting running back Javonte Williams walk in free agency for next to nothing. Now, the Dallas Cowboys are betting big on the former Bronco, positioning him as their RB1 for the 2025 season. But with a revamped running back room in Denver and lingering questions about Williams’ efficiency, Cowboys fans might be in for a bumpy ride.
The Broncos didn’t just let Williams go—they completely reimagined their running back corps, and it’s shaping up to be one of the NFL’s deepest. By signing JK Dobbins and drafting RJ Harvey, Denver has built a formidable group. Add in Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime, Blake Watson, and Tyler Badie, and the competition for roster spots is fierce. In their first preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers, Watson and Badie turned heads with standout performances, putting pressure on McLaughlin and Estime to secure their places on the final roster.
Javonte Williams “continues to see the most reps with the starters”, per @jonmachota.
The RB1 spot is getting clearer in Dallas 👀 pic.twitter.com/f0Q9SGCOh7
— Yahoo Fantasy Sports (@YahooFantasy) August 11, 2025
This overhaul speaks volumes about Denver’s confidence in their new-look backfield. Letting Williams walk wasn’t just a cap-saving move—it was a statement that they believe their current group can outperform the former second-round pick. And given Williams’ recent struggles, it’s hard to argue with their logic.
Once a promising talent, Javonte Williams burst onto the scene in 2021, splitting carries with Melvin Gordon and showing flashes of star potential. But a devastating knee injury early in the 2022 season derailed his trajectory. Since then, he hasn’t been the same. In both 2023 and 2024, Williams failed to average at least four yards per carry—a concerning trend for a running back expected to lead a backfield.
Despite these red flags, the Cowboys are ready to hand Williams the keys. Reports out of Dallas indicate he’s the clear favorite to claim the RB1 role, a decision that raises eyebrows given his recent production. While Williams’ ability as a pass blocker could keep him on the field for crucial third-down situations, his struggles as a runner suggest the Cowboys are banking on a bounce-back season that may not materialize.
The Cowboys’ decision to crown Williams as their lead back is a gamble. On one hand, his pass-blocking prowess and experience in high-pressure situations could make him a valuable asset in a pass-heavy offense. On the other, his declining efficiency and Denver’s willingness to let him go for virtually nothing paint a less rosy picture. The Broncos’ revamped backfield, brimming with young talent and depth, only underscores the risk Dallas is taking.