Javonte Williams is staying with the Dallas Cowboys. He is set to sign a three-year, $24 million deal to avoid free agency, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported.

Williams is coming off a huge season with the Cowboys in the final year of his contract. He ran for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns to lead a backfield which entered the 2025 campaign with plenty of question marks.

Now, Williams is set to return as Dallas’ lead running back. His deal also includes $16 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network.

The 2025 season was the best of Williams’ career after he spent the first four years with the Denver Broncos. It came in the final year of his rookie deal, which meant he’d be a priority for the Cowboys with free agency on the horizon.

Dallas’ executive vice president Stephen Jones specifically mentioned Williams as someone the franchise wanted to bring back next year. Wide receiver George Pickens is also part of that group as the Cowboys weigh some big financial decisions this offseason.

“Obviously, there’s guys that we want to keep from last year,” Jones said Jan. 27, via the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Nick Harris. “Whether it’s George Pickens or it’s Javonte, those are all guys that play into the free agency picture. We’ve got work to do on the defensive side of the ball. Whether that’s through free agency or the draft, there’s a lot of resources there that we can use to make our defense better.”

With Javonte Williams under contract, he will no longer hit free agency when the negotiating window opens March 11. Pickens will be next on the list of priorities, and his asking price is becoming clear.

Pickens is seeking at least $30 million per season in his next deal, according to the Dallas Morning News’ Calvin Watkins. For comparison, the franchise tag is valued at roughly $28 million and is fully guaranteed. ESPN’s Adam Schefter said the expectation is the Cowboys will use it on Pickens before he hits free agency.

The franchise tag window began Feb. 17, meaning Dallas has until March 3 to use it. The tag can either be a way to start negotiations about a new contract – would be able to shed the tag and sign a deal – or limit his options in free agency.

Like Williams, Pickens also played the last year of his rookie contract with the Cowboys this past season after coming over in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He had a huge season, leading Dallas with 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns to earn a Second Team All-Pro selection.