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

Contract highlights ongoing devaluation of running backs in the NFL

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Dallas Cowboys have re-signed running back Javonte Williams to a 3-year, $24 million contract, keeping him in Dallas after a breakout 2025 season. The deal, which includes $16 million in guarantees, underscores the continuing trend of running backs being undervalued in the NFL's current contract landscape.

Why it matters

The Williams contract serves as a benchmark for other upcoming free agent running backs, reinforcing that even productive players struggle to command top-tier salaries. This reflects the NFL's preference for drafting younger, cheaper running backs and cycling through them rather than investing heavily in veteran backfield talent.

The details

Williams, 25, had a career-high 1,201 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025 after signing a 1-year, $3 million "prove-it" deal with the Cowboys. His new 3-year, $24 million contract, with $16 million guaranteed, ranks him 16th among current NFL running backs in average annual salary. The Cowboys likely wanted to secure Williams before he hit the open market, fearing a bidding war, and the lack of state income taxes in Texas may have also played a role in his decision.

  • On February 21, 2026, the Cowboys announced they had re-signed Javonte Williams to a 3-year contract.
  • The NFL Combine, where the Cowboys are expected to negotiate with wide receiver George Pickens, begins on February 23.

The players

Javonte Williams

A 25-year-old running back who had a breakout 2025 season with the Dallas Cowboys, rushing for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Stephen Jones

The COO and co-owner of the Dallas Cowboys, who confirmed in early January that re-signing Williams was a top priority for the team.

George Pickens

A wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys who is expected to be the focus of contract negotiations at the upcoming NFL Combine.

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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

“Javonte was at the top of our list.”

— Stephen Jones, COO/Co-Owner, Dallas Cowboys

What’s next

The Cowboys are expected to negotiate a contract with wide receiver George Pickens at the upcoming NFL Combine, which begins on February 23.

The takeaway

The Javonte Williams contract reinforces the ongoing devaluation of running backs in the NFL, with even productive players struggling to command top-tier salaries. This trend is likely to continue as teams favor drafting younger, cheaper running backs and cycling through them rather than investing heavily in veteran backfield talent.