Javonte Williams produced a good 2025 season, but is a free agent. Do the Cowboys need to invest more into the position?
The Dallas Cowboys and their running back position. Perhaps the most problematic spot on the roster for a couple of seasons.
But not in 2025.
Javonte Williams, a bargain free agent, produced 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns to revitalize his career. The only problem is that he might have priced himself out of staying at The Star.
Still, it might be worth keeping Williams around.
Our own Mike Fisher has stated the Cowboys have a "Thunder and Lightning" vision for Williams and Jaydon Blue in 2026.
So that tells us that Javonte will be back next season.
Even Cowboys COO stated Williams is a top priority.
But what if a better free agent became available?
Say Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne? Is he better than Javonte?
Bleacher Report's Alex Kay thinks so, as he names him a possible fit for Dallas.
He thinks Dallas has more questions than answers at the running back spot, which we've just told you they don't. There's a clear vision.
But is Travis a better back than Williams? And we include receiving ability and pass protection as well, because we know how important they are to the Cowboys.
You could go either way, here.
But with Williams, he knows the system, has proved he can be dependable, and is looking, yes, to make his money, but also wouldn't mind staying put.
The bottom line is that while there might be "better" free agents out there, what Stephen and Fish have told us is that the Cowboys are content heading into 2026 with Javonte and Jaydon as their top running back tandem.
Another thing a little sideways about Kay's thoughts is that Etienne will help ease the offensive burden on Dak Prescott.
There is no burden on Dak. He has CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Javonte, Jake Ferguson, and an up-and-coming offensive line.
The burden is on the defense.
It won't matter how many offensive weapons Prescott has; if the defense continues to be one of the worst in football, it won't matter.
But the Etienne idea is an interesting one. And money will also factor into it as well.
How much will Williams or Etienne want? Or more to the point, how much will Dallas be willing to spend on a running back? We know they aren't overly fond of paying big money.
Let's not forget that they allowed Rico Dowdle to walk as well last offseason.
The Cowboys' running back position, once again, appears to be a major talking point entering the offseason.
Even when it doesn't need to be.