Feb. 22, 2026, 2:30 p.m. ET
With over 2,200 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns across his 3-year, UNC football career, Javonte Williams proved himself as a promising prospect for the 2021 NFL Draft.
The Denver Broncos, needing someone to stabilize their running back room, selected Williams 35th overall in the second round. Injuries and inconsistent production marked Williams’ time in the Mile High city, so the Broncos let him walk in free agency.
The Dallas Cowboys needed a starter themselves for 2025, so they signed Williams to a 1-year deal. Williams rewarded America’s Team, setting career-bests of 1,201 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, both of which ranked Top 10 in the NFL.
The Cowboys rewarded Williams for his career year, too, signing the former Tar Heel to a 3-year deal on Saturday. Williams’ deal is worth $24 million, which includes $16 million in guarantees and a $6 million signing bonus.
Williams recorded the most rushing yards by a Dallas running back since Ezekiel Elliott in 2019. Williams also showcased his abilities as a reliable pass-catcher last season, with 137 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
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Williams delivered his first memorable moment as a Cowboy during the 2025 opener, scoring the NFL’s first regular-season touchdown in a 24-20 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Williams added another touchdown in that defeat, then tallied 97 rushing yards and a touchdown the following week in a 40-37, overtime win against the rival New York Giants.
Dallas finished 7-9-1 last season under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, its second-straight year without a playoff berth. With the star of their backfield now locked down, can the Cowboys snap their postseason drought and get back to their glory days?
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