Dallas Cowboys Secure Running Back Javonte Williams with $24 Million Extension
Dallas, Sunday, 22 February 2026.
Dallas solidifies its offensive strategy by committing $16 million guaranteed to Javonte Williams, rewarding the running back’s breakout 1,201-yard season with a three-year deal ahead of free agency.
Locking Down the Backfield
The Dallas Cowboys have moved swiftly to secure a cornerstone of their offense, reaching an agreement on Saturday with running back Javonte Williams on a three-year contract extension valued at $24 million [1][2]. The deal, confirmed by multiple reports, includes a substantial $16 million in guaranteed money and a $6 million signing bonus [1][3]. This proactive move comes just weeks before the onset of free agency on March 9, preventing the 25-year-old from testing the open market and ensuring stability in the Cowboys’ backfield through the 2028 season [2][5].
A Resurgent Performance
Williams’ extension serves as a reward for a spectacular bounce-back campaign in 2025. After joining Dallas on a modest one-year, $3 million “prove-it” deal following a serious knee injury during his tenure with the Denver Broncos, Williams delivered career-best numbers [1][2]. He rushed for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns on 252 carries, averaging a robust 4.8 yards per attempt [2][5]. His rushing yardage ranked ninth in the NFL, marking the highest total for a Cowboys running back since Ezekiel Elliott recorded 1,357 yards in 2019 [1]. Beyond his ground production, Williams proved vital in the passing game, adding 35 receptions for 137 yards and two touchdowns, solidifying his role as a dual-threat asset for quarterback Dak Prescott [2][5].
Market Value and Financial Strategy
From a financial perspective, the Cowboys have secured high-volume production at a competitive market rate. With an average annual value of $8 million, Williams is now tied for the 16th highest-paid running back in the league, effectively matching the compensation of Chicago’s D’Andre Swift [2]. This valuation places him just above former Cowboys running back Tony Pollard, who currently earns $7.3 million annually with the Tennessee Titans [2]. The raise is significant for Williams; compared to his previous $3 million salary, his annual average has increased by approximately 166.667 percent, reflecting his transition from a reclamation project to a core offensive piece.
The Receiver Dilemma
With the running back position settled, the Cowboys’ front office must now pivot to a complex financial situation regarding their receiving corps. The immediate priority is Pro Bowl wide receiver George Pickens, who also set career highs last season with 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns [1][5]. The franchise is expected to utilize the franchise tag on Pickens before the March 3 deadline, a move estimated to cost roughly $28 million for the 2026 season [1][5]. This decision creates a heavy financial load at the position, as CeeDee Lamb is already under contract on a massive four-year, $136 million deal [5]. Retaining both star receivers while managing Williams’ new cap hit will be the primary challenge for Dallas as they head to the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis next week [1].