Williams burst onto the scene with 1,201 rushing yards on 252 carries over 16 games, ranking ninth in the league in yardage and giving Dallas a true workhorse back they haven’t seen since Ezekiel Elliott’s peak days.
Contract chatter suggests a significant raise could be in order. Spotrac projects Williams at about $7.3 million per year on a three-year, $22 million deal. Dallas previously franchised Tony Pollard in 2023 and watched him depart in free agency, and Rico Dowdle left for Carolina after a solid 1,000-yard season, making a Williams re-sign a notable departure from their prior approach.
“We’ve certainly visited with Javonte,” Jones said, noting such visits usually occur at the combine and that there’s still time before free agency begins. The indication is that Dallas is serious about pursuing a long-term RB solution rather than cycling through bargain options.
Beyond Williams, Dallas is eyeing receiver George Pickens, with Jones acknowledging Pickens as a potential consideration in the free-agent picture. However, the club’s primary focus remains rebuilding a defense that finished last in points allowed, a task they plan to tackle through free agency or the draft.
In parallel, Dallas has reorganizational inputs on defense, with Brian Schottenheimer now influential and the addition of first-time coordinator Christian Parker. The shift aims to bring more stability and performance to a unit that struggled this season while the offense contemplates a more balanced approach via targeted acquisitions.
