The Dallas Cowboys have made a splash this offseason by securing a long-term deal with running back Javonte Williams, but critics argue it hardly addresses the deeper issues facing the franchise.
After a breakout 2025 campaign in which Williams rushed for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns, Dallas agreed to a three-year, $24 million extension that includes $16 million in guaranteed money.
The team clearly valued Williams‘ performance enough to keep him off the open market before free agency began.
However, even with Williams back under contract, the bigger strategic picture remains uncertain.
Williams‘ success last season gave the Cowboys‘ ground game a boost, helping the offense finish ninth in the league in rushing yards per game.
The extension feels like a win in isolation, and Williams himself expressed confidence in the organization and the fit he found in Dallas.
Depth worries linger despite a big signing
Yet signing Williams long-term does not erase the Cowboys‘ lingering concerns, particularly at the running back position. Last season’s heavy workload exposed how thin Dallas‘ depth chart really was.
With Williams often shouldering the majority of carries, backup options like Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah, and Malik Davis received limited opportunities and failed to establish themselves as reliable complements.
Meanwhile, veteran addition Miles Sanders dealt with injury issues, leaving a noticeable gap when Williams eventually needed relief.
As a result, many analysts believe the Cowboys still need to bring in additional talent to avoid overworking Williams and to protect their offense from being one-dimensional.
Beyond the backfield, Dallas faces other challenges in free agency and contract talks, including decisions about wide receiver George Pickens and several defensive standouts.
For fans who hoped the Williams extension would signal a more comprehensive plan, it instead highlights how much more work remains.
In the end, Jerry Jones has given Dallas a cornerstone runner, but the team’s problems go well beyond one contract.
Addressing depth and balance will be essential if the Cowboys want to turn offseason optimism into real playoff success.
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