Cowboys agree to deal with running back Javonte Williams. Is Rico Dowdle’s time in Dallas done?
The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to terms on a one-year, $3.5 million deal with former Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams, a source confirms to Star-Telegram. The deal was first reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Williams, 24, was a second-round pick out of North Carolina in the 2021 draft and spent four seasons with the Broncos. He burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2021, rushing for 903 yards and four touchdowns while adding 43 receptions for 316 yards and three touchdowns through the air.
In his second season, he suffered a torn ACL and LCL in the fourth game and missed the rest of the year. While his averages have gone down across the board in all rushing categories in the two seasons since that injury, he posted a career-high in receptions (52) and receiving yards (346) in 2024.
He joins a running back room in Dallas that only features Deuce Vaughn, who has just 50 career touches in two seasons, and Malik Davis, who has been a perennial practice squad member since arriving in 2022.
The signing of Williams spells the end of Rico Dowdle’s time in Dallas, a source tells the Star-Telegram. The free agent running back emerged as the starter last season and finished with 1,079 rushing yards. He is expected to earn a deal in the range of $6 million per season, according to Spotrac projections.
The Cowboys will remain players in the running back pool of the NFL Draft next month, as they are expected to host Heisman Trophy runner-up and Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty for a facility visit in the coming weeks and held formal meetings at the NFL Combine with Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson, Tennessee RB Dylan Sampson and North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton among others.
Pairing Williams with a high-pick at running back could give a boost to the Cowboys running game that new head coach Brian Schottenheimer and new offensive coordinator Klayton Adams will be seeking throughout the offseason.
The agreement is the first outside deal the Cowboys have completed since the opening of the legal tampering period on Monday. The team did retain long snapper Trent Sieg on a three-year, $4.45 million deal earlier in the day. They saw two players depart Dallas, as starting nickel cornerback Jourdan Lewis and rotational offensive lineman Chuma Edoga both agreed to deals with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
This story was originally published March 10, 2025 at 6:49 PM.
