In a move that is sure to shake up the entire landscape of the NFL (insert sarcasm here), the Dallas Cowboys have signed their first outside free agent of the 2025 offseason.
Former Denver Broncos RB Javonte Williams has agreed to terms with the Cowboys on a 1yr/$3M deal that could grow to $3.5M if he hits certain escalators that have not been revealed yet.
It is one of the Cowboys’ patented one-year prove-it deals, and signals the Cowboys look to continue their strategy of filling open roster spots with veterans with upside ahead of the draft.
It’s a signing that will have most of Cowboys Nation rolling their eyes like “here we go again”, but let’s try and analyze this move to see how it can benefit all parties.
What Does This Mean For Javonte Williams?
It means he gets a chance to redeem himself, and, as of right now, has little to no competition for snaps.
I’m 100% sure the Cowboys aren’t done addressing the running back position, but Williams will be given every opportunity to win the job.
He showed flashes of brilliance with the Denver Broncos, even coming into AT&T Stadium as a rookie and running for 111 yards on 6.5 yards per carry.
Williams showcases explosive ability and a bruising running style: traits the Cowboys have lacked in the backfield since Ezekiel Elliott was in his prime.
What Does This Mean For the Cowboys?
The Cowboys’ decision to sign Williams comes after free agent RB Rico Dowdle expressed that he was going to ask for $6 million per year on the open market.
This likely means that Dowdle will not be back in a Cowboys’ uniform.
Williams will join a talented, yet disjointed Cowboys offense led by QB Dak Prescott and WR CeeDee Lamb.
If Williams can tap into some of the production he showed when he was healthy as a Denver Bronco, the Cowboys might have found a diamond in the rough for a cubic zirconia price.