Cowboys Extend Breakout RB Javonte Williams with 3-Year Deal

The 24-year-old running back will remain in Dallas after a career-best 2025 season.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 12:37pm

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The Dallas Cowboys have signed running back Javonte Williams to a new 3-year, $24 million contract extension, keeping the 24-year-old breakout star in Dallas. Williams is coming off a 2025 season where he ranked top 10 in the NFL in rushing yards (1,201) and rushing touchdowns (11), both career highs. The deal includes $16 million in guaranteed money and represents a team-friendly contract for the Cowboys, who moved quickly to retain one of their top offensive weapons.

Why it matters

Securing Williams on a long-term deal was a top priority for the Cowboys this offseason, as they look to build around their young core on offense. Retaining Williams avoids the running back market potentially skyrocketing in free agency and keeps the team's backfield stable as they aim to contend for a Super Bowl.

The details

Williams and the Cowboys agreed to the 3-year, $24 million contract after the 2025 season, with the deal including $16 million in guaranteed money. Williams had been set to enter free agency but the two sides quickly reached an agreement, with the running back expressing a desire to remain in Dallas long-term. The contract pays Williams an average of $8 million per year, a significant raise from the 1-year, $3 million deal he played on in 2025.

  • Williams entered the 2025 season on a 1-year, $3 million contract.
  • After the 2025 season ended, Williams and the Cowboys began contract extension talks.
  • The two sides agreed to the 3-year, $24 million deal on February 22, 2026.

The players

Javonte Williams

A 24-year-old running back who had a breakout 2025 season for the Dallas Cowboys, ranking top 10 in the NFL in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.

Nicole Lynn

The president of football at Klutch Sports, who represents Javonte Williams and negotiated his contract extension with the Cowboys.

George Pickens

A star wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys who the team has yet to decide the future of as they enter free agency.

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What they’re saying

“I love it here. I love my teammates, I love everybody... You don't always want to just follow money and things like that. You want to go somewhere where you can succeed and be a part of something that's special. I feel like it's very special here.”

— Javonte Williams (Dallas Cowboys on SI)

What’s next

The Cowboys will now turn their attention to deciding the future of star wide receiver George Pickens, who is also set to hit free agency this offseason.

The takeaway

By locking up Javonte Williams on a team-friendly 3-year deal, the Cowboys have secured one of their top offensive playmakers and avoided the running back market potentially spiking in free agency. This move represents smart, proactive roster management as Dallas looks to build around its young core and contend for a Super Bowl.