Life as an NFL running back can be a brutal game. The average career length is shorter than most other positions and you take dozens of hits each week. Javonte Williams saw the lowest points of the position in 2022. After a promising rookie season, he suffered tears to three ligaments in his knee, including his ACL, ACL, and PCL. Williams returned the following year, but never returned to the productivity he displayed in his rookie season.
When that rookie contract ended, the Broncos opted to part ways. While Williams was certainly seeking a longer, more lucrative deal, teams were hesitant to make that type of offer. Williams agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys in March 2025, essentially a tryout deal.
And boy, did Williams prove it last season. The Cowboys rewarded him with a $24 million contract extension for the next three years, including $16 million in guaranteed money. His new contract is worth almost eight times the value of his last contract.
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Williams posted career highs in carries (252), rushing yards (1,201), yards per carry (4.8) and rushing touchdowns (11). He did it while sitting out the Cowboys’ final game of the season when the team was already out of playoff contention. Dallas finished the year with a 7-9-1 record.
Now, Williams will return as the starting running back and has even bigger aspirations ahead of him. In five seasons, he appeared in one playoff game: a 31-7 Broncos loss to the Buffalo Bills in 2024. Williams only managed 43 yards on nine touches in that game. He hopes to have another chance to reach the postseason with Dallas.
The Cowboys will also bring back several of their other offensive skill positions: Dak Prescott will remain under center, CeeDee Lamb will line up as the team’s top receiver and the Cowboys plan to use the franchise tag on George Pickens, who had a fantastic season after being traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
It looked like Williams’ serious injury could derail his career before it really took off. He has had a second chance in Dallas. He is making the most of it and it is paying off big time.