Cowboys Re-Sign RB Javonte Williams to 3-Year, $24M Deal

Williams rushed for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns in his first season with the Cowboys.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 10:23pm

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The Dallas Cowboys have reportedly agreed to a 3-year, $24 million contract extension with running back Javonte Williams, keeping him off the free agent market. Williams had a breakout season in 2025, rushing for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns after being acquired from the Denver Broncos.

Why it matters

Retaining Williams was a priority for the Cowboys, who had the 9th-best rushing offense in the NFL last season after finishing 27th the year prior. The 25-year-old running back provides a dynamic playmaker for the Cowboys' offense going forward.

The details

Williams' new 3-year deal includes $16 million in guaranteed money, tying him with D'Andre Swift as the 16th-highest paid running back in the league. The Cowboys prevented Williams from hitting free agency by signing him to a 1-year, $3 million contract last offseason, and he quickly outperformed that deal in his first year with the team.

  • Williams was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 2nd round in 2021.
  • In 2022, Williams suffered an ACL, LCL, and posterolateral corner injury in his right knee.
  • Williams joined the Cowboys in 2025 on a 1-year, $3 million contract.
  • In the 2025 season, Williams rushed for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns.
  • On February 21, 2026, the Cowboys re-signed Williams to a 3-year, $24 million extension.

The players

Javonte Williams

A 25-year-old running back who had a breakout season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2025 after being acquired from the Denver Broncos.

Ezekiel Elliott

The Dallas Cowboys' starting running back who they re-signed in 2019.

Sean Payton

The former head coach of the Denver Broncos, where Williams played his first four NFL seasons in a running back committee.

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What they’re saying

“Williams will reportedly have $16 million in guaranteed money. His $8 million annual salary ties him with D'Andre Swift for the 16th-highest-paid running back.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Reporter (NFL Network)

What’s next

The Cowboys will now turn their attention to deciding on the contract status of wide receiver George Pickens, as the free agent running back market takes a hit with Williams being re-signed.

The takeaway

By retaining Javonte Williams on a 3-year extension, the Cowboys have secured a dynamic playmaker in their backfield who can help power their rushing attack for the foreseeable future.