Dallas Cowboys Make Huge First Splash Signing Star Offensive Player In Free Agency
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The Dallas Cowboys made sure that star running back Javonte Williams didn’t hit the open market after a career year.
Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Cowboys and Javonte Williams have agreed to a three-year contract extension worth $24 million. Williams was a pending free agent after signing a one-year deal last year.
The #Cowboys and standout RB Javonte Williams have agreed to terms on a 3-year deal worth $24M, sources say. Dallas keeps a big-time player.
He gets his $8M per year after a breakout season in a deal was done by @AgentNicoleLynn of @KlutchSports. pic.twitter.com/xHTcWxl4VF
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 21, 2026
With Williams re-signing, that takes one potential star running back off the free agent market. However, the pool could still include other 1,000-yard rushers like Kenneth Walker III, Breece Hall, Travis Etienne Jr. and Rico Dowdle.
Now, the Cowboys can focus solely on extending superstar wide receiver and pending free agent George Pickens. Dallas already released veteran linebacker Logan Wilson, saving $6 million in cap space.
Keeping Javonte Williams Was An Easy Call For Cowboys
Williams rushed for a career-high 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025, per Pro Football Reference. His previous career season came as a rookie in 2021. That year, Williams rushed for 903 yards and four touchdowns with the Denver Broncos.
The Cowboys were a disappointment in 2025, but Williams and Pickens are among the bright spots in Brian Schottenheimer’s offense. Like Williams, Pickens had a career year with 93 catches for 1,429 yards and four touchdowns.
Dallas still has plenty of changes to make on the defensive side of the ball. But if they can retain Pickens? That will keep their offense in good shape for 2026. You won’t find many better units than the core of Williams, Pickens, Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
