Cowboys Weigh Options at Running Back in Free Agency

Javonte Williams' breakout season makes him a top priority, but other free agent RBs could also be in play

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Dallas Cowboys are facing a pivotal offseason decision at the running back position. Javonte Williams, who had a breakout 1,200-yard, 11-touchdown season in 2025, is set to hit free agency, and the team must decide whether to re-sign him or explore other options. Backup Malik Davis is also a restricted free agent, while the team has young talents Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah waiting in the wings. The Cowboys will have to weigh the value of keeping their proven backfield versus exploring free agents like Rico Dowdle, Travis Etienne, and Rachaad White.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' running game was a key part of their offensive success in 2025, and retaining that production will be crucial as they look to build on their playoff appearance. However, the team also has to balance the long-term outlook and salary cap implications when deciding how to approach the position in free agency.

The details

Javonte Williams emerged as a top-10 running back in the NFL last season, rushing for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns on a one-year "prove-it" deal with the Cowboys. The team is already in talks to try and keep him, with his market value estimated around $7.8 million annually. Backup Malik Davis is also a restricted free agent, meaning Dallas can match any offer he receives. The team also has 2025 draft picks Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah vying for reps in 2026. As for external options, the Cowboys could look at free agents like Rico Dowdle ($6.5M annually), Travis Etienne ($6.8M), and Rachaad White ($7.6M), all of whom are coming off strong seasons with other teams.

  • Javonte Williams had a breakout 1,000-yard rushing season in 2025.
  • Malik Davis emerged as a valuable spell back for the Cowboys in 2025.
  • Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah were 2025 draft picks who will compete for playing time in 2026.

The players

Javonte Williams

A 25-year-old running back who had a breakout 1,201-yard, 11-touchdown season for the Cowboys in 2025 after joining the team in free agency. He is now set to hit free agency again.

Malik Davis

A running back who served as a valuable spell back for Javonte Williams in 2025, and is now a restricted free agent.

Jaydon Blue

A rookie running back drafted by the Cowboys in 2025 who will compete for playing time in 2026.

Phil Mafah

A rookie running back drafted by the Cowboys in 2025 who will compete for playing time in 2026.

Rico Dowdle

A running back who spent his first few NFL seasons with the Cowboys before signing with the Panthers in 2025. He is now an unrestricted free agent.

Travis Etienne

A running back who has spent his entire career with the Jaguars, rushing for over 1,000 yards in three of his four seasons. He is now an unrestricted free agent.

Rachaad White

A running back who emerged as a consistent complementary back for the Buccaneers in 2023, nearly rushing for 1,000 yards. He is now an unrestricted free agent.

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What they’re saying

“Javonte Williams has once again found top gear with so much time removed from his devastating knee injury, suffered as a member of the Denver Broncos in 2022. Three years later, in Dallas, Williams delivered his first-ever 1,000-yard rushing season (1,201) good enough to make him a top-10 running back and two yards shy of overtaking Christian McCaffrey in that category.”

— Patrik Walker, DallasCowboys.com editorial staff (DallasCowboys.com)

What’s next

The Cowboys will need to decide whether to re-sign Javonte Williams or explore other free agent options at running back in the coming weeks before the start of free agency on March 11.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' backfield was a strength in 2025, but the team faces some tough decisions on how to approach the position going forward. Retaining Javonte Williams would provide continuity, but exploring other free agent options could also yield valuable talent at a potentially lower cost. Balancing short-term production with long-term roster building will be key for the Cowboys this offseason.