The Dallas Cowboys and running back Javonte Williams have reached an agreement on a three-year deal worth $24 million, the team announced Saturday.

Williams’ extension comes after the 25-year-old posted career-highs in rushing yards (1,201), touchdowns (11) and yards per carry (4.8) during his first season in Dallas.

This is a move the Cowboys have been open about wanting to get done. Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said as much last month: “Javonte’s at the top of our list to go out and sign. We want to bring him back and sign him to a multiple-year deal.”

Williams exceeded expectations last year as an ideal complement to the Cowboys’ potent passing game.

Running it back ⏪

📰: https://t.co/mAoz34qa5v | @blockchain pic.twitter.com/YLRgRDnRpR

— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) February 21, 2026

Getting the deal done before the start of free agency takes a major need off the board. Had Dallas and Williams not agreed to a new deal, there would have been a significant hole at running back.

Could the Cowboys replace Williams in free agency or via trade? Sure, but there’s no guarantee that another player would fit as well as Williams has in Brian Schottenheimer’s offense.

Now, Dallas can put even more focus on fixing a defense that is loaded with holes. Another complementary back could still be added, but it is certainly not a priority now.

When asked about his future in December, Williams expressed a strong desire to remain in Dallas.

“I love it here. I love my teammates. I love everybody,” Williams said. “… You don’t always want to just follow money and things like that. You want to go somewhere where you can succeed and be a part of something that’s special. I feel like it’s very special here.”

Williams joined the Cowboys in March of 2025 on a one-year deal worth up to $3.5 million after four seasons with the Denver Broncos, who selected him in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

The former North Carolina standout had a strong rookie campaign in Denver with 903 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

However, he was limited to just four games in his sophomore season after tearing the ACL and LCL in his right knee. He returned from the injury and rushed for a combined 1,287 yards over his next two seasons in Denver while splitting snaps with other backs.