The question on many Cowboys fans’ minds as the 2025 season winds down is simple: did Javonte Williams already play his last game in a Dallas uniform?
After a breakout year as the team’s lead running back, Williams won’t suit up for the Week 18 finale due to a lingering shoulder injury, leaving open the possibility that what we’ve already seen might be his final snaps for Dallas.
Williams, a former Broncos second-round pick, came to Dallas on a oneyear deal after struggling through injuries and inconsistent production in Denver. He had an impressive rookie season in 2021, rushing for 903 yards and four touchdowns, but his 2022 campaign was cut short by a devastating knee injury that included a torn ACL, LCL, and posterolateral corner.
After spending the remainder of his time in Denver rehabbing and attempting to regain his form, Williams was finally able to show his full potential in Dallas. In 2025, he delivered a careerbest season with 1,201 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, revitalizing his reputation and proving he can still be a feature back at the highest level.
While that performance helped Dallas run more effectively and gave the offense another dimension, his absence in Week 18 is notable. With Dallas starting rookie and other backups in his place because of his shoulder and neck issues, Williams‘ direct contribution this season is effectively over.
The timing of this injury raises speculation about whether the team sees him as a long-term option, especially with free agency on the horizon.
What this means for Williams’ Cowboys future
Williams‘ situation with the Cowboys is now uniquely tied to free agency. His oneyear contract was extremely team-friendly, around $4 million including incentives, and he far exceeded that value.
Now, as one of the top running backs available this offseason, projections suggest he could receive significant interest from multiple teams looking to upgrade their backfields in 2026.
The Cowboys have options on how to approach his future. On one hand, Dallas could try to resign Williams to keep the continuity and productivity he brought. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer and quarterback Dak Prescott have both publicly expressed appreciation for what Williams means to the offense and the locker room.
On the other hand, Dallas has already invested heavily in other offensive playmakers and must manage a tight salary cap picture. With key players like Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Jake Ferguson under contract and negotiations looming for George Pickens, allocating significant money to Williams might not be the top priority for the front office.
Dallas also saw promising production from backups like Malik Davis late in the season, giving them confidence to explore cheaper options or younger talent next year. Additionally, other teams are expected to pursue Williams aggressively, offering the chance for a lucrative long-term deal.
Whether he chooses to stay in Dallas for continuity or chase a bigger payday elsewhere will ultimately determine if his time with the Cowboys is truly over.
Until Williams makes that decision, the answer remains uncertain, but the combination of free agency, the salary cap, and injury management makes it far from guaranteed that 2026 will find him back in Dallas.
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