6:58pm: As it turns out, this signing does look like it will send Dowdle elsewhere. The Williams move is expected to ensure the Cowboys move on from their primary 2024 starter, the Dallas Morning News’ David Moore tweets. Dowdle has spent the past five years with the Cowboys.
6:22pm: The Cowboys took plenty of heat for running back apathy last year. They will attempt to change course early this offseason, as a young starter is coming in on Day 1 of free agency.
Javonte Williams is relocating from Denver to Dallas, with NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero reporting the former second-round pick will do so on a one-year deal worth $3MM. The contract can max out at $3.5MM.
Although Williams expressed interest in staying with the Broncos, they were not expected to bring him back. After a promising rookie season, Williams suffered ACL and LCL tears during an October 2022 game in Las Vegas. While the North Carolina alum made it back by Week 1 of the ’23 season, he did not quite resemble his previous version. With Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime signed, the Broncos will part ways with a player they traded up for in 2021.
Williams’ rookie season brought 1,219 scrimmage yards, even as he had to share time with Melvin Gordon. That season included Angry Runs recognition for a carry against the Cowboys, a game in which the Broncos upset the favored hosts. Williams’ 111-yard day in Dallas notwithstanding, he saw his role reduced in Denver during Sean Payton’s second season. The bruising runner averaged 3.6 and 3.7 yards per carry, respectively, over the past two seasons. He did reach 1,002 scrimmage yards in 2023 and 859 in ’24, but there is a reason the Cowboys have him locked into this modest rate.
Dallas received a decent season from Rico Dowdle, who quickly usurped the re-signed Ezekiel Elliott as the team’s primary rusher. Dowdle is unsigned, and this Williams deal would not seem to impede a reunion. The two would bring complementary skillsets. The Cowboys have shown interest in keeping Dowdle, but it will be interesting to see if a player who can blend a quality season with low mileage can fetch notable offers elsewhere.
“All in” again Jerry?
“Plan the parade!” -jerruh
I’d rather they bring Cadillac Williams out of retirement.
Oooh, this is a great signing. Health and availability are an issue, of course, but if Williams is healthy, this is a great piece to add. Of course, Dallas still needs to do more I think to secure the position-Williams had missed some time-but this is a great under the radar piece to help out. It doesn’t solve the issue, but it does give options.
Yeah I agree. He was a monster before the injuries.
I love Williams at his best, but I wish I were more optimistic about seeing that again.
It’s fair to wonder about, Oof. I do think that Williams recaptured much of his form last year, but given the crowded back field that Denver had, plus their desire to push Estime, Williams didn’t get much of a carry volume.
I don’t think that he’s the same back as he was in his rookie year (his stats reflect that, with a measly 3.7 YPC), but he looked pretty close more than a few times just based on my personal eyeball test. He was cutting and jumping and running with power on contact much better than he was in the immediate aftermath of the injury. I do think that he could have been better if he had gotten into a rhythm, but alternating the young backs in was the right move for that rushing attack, and it made sense the way it played out.
I don’t think that Williams is the same as he was in 2021, but hopefully Dallas won’t ask him to be. He can definitely be a well used second option or tandem back, though.
If only Jerry thinks the same way. Seeing how his FA spending has been the last few years, this is prob his move to “fix” their RB position lmao
You have a point. I don’t quite get why they’ve decided to close their wallets so tightly the last two years, even with those mishandled extensions on tap.
Low risk resigning. Reminds me of the Chargers taking a chance on Dobbins last year
Williams could have a big year if he’s finally healthy.
Williams was healthy, he lacks the vision an explosiveness post injury. He’s just not good anymore, more than a Samaje Perine esq type player who is brought in to block.
Well, you can’t stay a millionaire if you don’t bargain hunt. Jerry is all in!
This fits with Dollar Tree Dallas to their core
This is like signing Peter to replace Paul.
Paul looks to be getting more money than Peter
This is basically an addition by subtraction move that will mean nothing.
Look at that
Was Najee too “expensive”?