Cowboys Predicted to Sign Jaguars $13 Million Star Free Agent Playmaker

Dallas could let Javonte Williams walk and instead target Travis Etienne in free agency.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Dallas Cowboys are predicted to sign Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne in free agency this offseason, potentially replacing Javonte Williams who is set to hit the open market. Etienne, a 27-year-old with three 1,000-yard seasons in his first four years, would be a dynamic playmaker in the Cowboys' offense and could take pressure off quarterback Dak Prescott.

Why it matters

The Cowboys have a decision to make on Javonte Williams' future, as the 25-year-old running back is coming off a career year in 2025. Signing Etienne, who is projected to land a two-year, $13.6 million deal, would be an upgrade for the Cowboys' offense and provide them with a reliable, productive back.

The details

Etienne has quietly been one of the most productive running backs in the NFL over the last few years, posting three 1,000-yard campaigns in his first four seasons. The former first-round pick is also incredibly durable, missing just two games in his career so far and playing all 17 games in three separate seasons. Bringing in Etienne would be a fantastic fit in Brian Schottenheimer's offense, as he's a dynamic playmaker on the ground and through the air, having a career-high six touchdown catches in 2025 along with seven rushing touchdowns.

  • Javonte Williams is set to hit free agency in March 2026.

The players

Javonte Williams

A 25-year-old running back for the Dallas Cowboys who is coming off a career year in 2025, tallying 1,201 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 4.8 yards per carry.

Travis Etienne

A 27-year-old running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars who has quietly been one of the most productive running backs in the NFL over the last few years, posting three 1,000-yard campaigns in his first four seasons.

Dak Prescott

The quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys.

Brian Schottenheimer

The offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When the Cowboys need a starting running back, they've either drafted a running back very high or waited entirely too long to get a free agent and get stuck with an undesirable. But last season, they turned Javonte Williams from one of those undesirables into one of the better running backs in the league. There's a chance that they try to capitalize on that success and actually go after one of the better running backs available. That guy would be Travis Etienne.”

— Jake Beckman, FanSided Writer (FanSided)

What’s next

The Cowboys will need to decide whether to re-sign Javonte Williams or pursue Travis Etienne in free agency. Etienne is projected to land a two-year, $13.6 million deal.

The takeaway

Signing Travis Etienne would be an upgrade for the Cowboys' offense and provide them with a reliable, productive back to complement their passing attack led by Dak Prescott. However, the team will need to weigh the decision to let Javonte Williams walk versus retaining the 25-year-old who is coming off a career year.