Who would the Dallas Cowboys pursue in free agency in addition to starting running back Javonte Williams up for a new contract.
Owner and general manager Jerry Jones said after the Dallas Cowboys' Week 18 loss at the New York Giants that a long, busy offseason was ahead of him to address his 7-9-1 roster that fell below many expectations.
That started Tuesday morning with the firing of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. Now, Jones is tasked with figuring out how to manage a handful of key starters who are due for new contracts, such as George Pickens, Brandon Aubrey and Javonte Williams, among others.
As for the latter, Williams had a breakout season in the backfield, rushing for over 1,000 yards for the first time in his five-year career. He was playing on a cheap one-year, $3 million contract, but will likely command a pay raise going into next season.
It's believed that Dallas is interested in retaining their workhorse back, but as Williams himself proved, the position could provide impactful players at a low cost.
There are three avenues Jones is likely to follow: a) Dallas rewards Williams with a deserved extension, b) they let him walk and gamble on another cheap free agent matching Williams' production, or c) they re-sign Williams but also dip their toe into free agency and add a contrasting running back to pair in the backfield.
If Jones were to go that middle route, insider for Dallas' 105.3 The Fan Bobby Belt pitched a name that many believe could fit in well if Williams' signing fell through.
Belt hints at Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. as an upcoming unrestricted free agent Dallas should scout.
Etienne also enjoyed the best season of his young career in 2025. The fifth-year back from Clemson posted 1,107 yards, good enough for the 11th-most in the NFL (two spots behind Williams' 1,201 in ninth). The numbers have translated into wins, too, as the Jags finished the year 13-4 and won the AFC South under first-year coach Liam Coen.
"I feel like this has been a great year for me," Etienne told ESPN last month. "Just finding my love for the game again, just the team camaraderie that I feel like we have this year. I feel like that's probably been the best part of this team is just we're all playing for each other, we're all playing for love of the game, and there is a genuine connection around here.
"That's what made this year just so special."
Though Etienne has seemed to grow comfortable in Duval County, there is no guarantee that he is retained, potentially making big-market destinations like Dallas (exposure-wise, and maybe financially if Jones is willing to play along) intriguing.
Though it'd be a dream scenario for Dallas, it remains unlikely that Jacksonville will part ways with Etienne after his breakout season given that the team traded second-stringer Tank Bigsby early in the season. That move all but made it official that Etienne was to be the every-down starter for the rest of the season. He handled the rest.
As Jones turns his attention from the coaching staff to the roster, the running back position is pinned as a major decision within the Cowboys' prolific offense. Quarterback Dak Prescott has vouched for Williams to be brought back.
But if push comes to shove, it's smart to spot potential free agent candidates. Etienne is at the top of that list.