The Cowboys have several needs this offseason, but I make the case that none are on offense.
After a bounce-back season for the ages, Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams, it appears, still has to win over people when it comes to his future.
Seen as a dart throw in free agency last offseason, Javonte was superb in every facet under Brian Schottenheimer.
He hit career highs in yards (1,201) and touchdowns (11), to be one of the driving forces in giving the Cowboys a top offense, and also a top-10 run game.
Not to mention is ability in pass protection.
But Javonte was on a one-year, $3 million deal.
Deserving of a new contract as a free agent, we have heard Schottenheimer, a host of players, and even Cowboys COO Stephen Jones speak glowingly of Williams.
We already know Dallas wants to sign Williams to a multi-year deal, which makes Ryan Smith's piece for PFF on the Cowboys' biggest offseason need being running back rather puzzling.
"The 25-year-old now enters free agency on a high note, and there’s a possibility Dallas could look at alternative options at the position for 2026 and beyond," Smith wrote.
Firstly, Dallas isn't likely to consider alternatives. The only way it does is if Williams doesn't want to return.
The Cowboys want Javonte back, and our own Mike Fisher has detailed the Cowboys' "Thunder and Lightning" plan for 2026, which includes Williams and Jaydon Blue.
And Smith has free agent running back Tyler Allgeier as a replacement for Williams.
"Now a free agent, Allgeier will have the opportunity to land with a team that will make him a lead back once again," Smith added. "He would transition nicely to Dallas’ inside-zone-heavy scheme behind an offensive line that ranked in the top 10 in PFF run-blocking grade in 2025."
Is Allgeier that much of an upgrade over Williams?
He has had only one 1,000-yard season, in his rookie year (2022), and has seen his production decline ever since. Yes, a large reason for that is Bijan Robinson.
Much like Javonte, Allgeier is a stout pass protector, but he doesn't have the stats to warrant a place over Javonte.
Williams is a known commodity for the Cowboys as their bell cow. Allgeier didn't have more than 16 carries in a game this year (although he did have 8 TDs). In 2024, he had only five games with over 10+ carries.
In his rookie season, he posted five games of 16+ carries, so this would seem to be a lateral move. Could Allgeier be a bellcow in the same manner as Javonte?
I'm not so sure. Plus, I'm not even sure that having Allgeier is an upgrade over Williams.
After his 2025 season, Williams deserves to run it back with the Cowboys.
But if a free agent is signed to replace him, someone like Breece Hall or Travis Etienne is the right move, not Allgeier.