Feb. 22, 2026, 2:30 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
With over 2,200 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns across his 3-year, UNC football career, Javonte Williams<\/a> proved himself as a promising prospect for the 2021 NFL Draft.<\/p>\n The Denver Broncos<\/a>, needing someone to stabilize their running back room, selected Williams 35th overall in the second round. Injuries and inconsistent production<\/a> marked Williams’ time in the Mile High city, so the Broncos let him walk in free agency.<\/p>\n The Dallas Cowboys<\/a> needed a starter themselves for 2025, so they signed Williams to a 1-year deal<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n The Cowboys rewarded Williams for his career year, too, signing the former Tar Heel to a 3-year deal on Saturday<\/a>. Williams’ deal is worth $24 million, which includes $16 million in guarantees and a $6 million signing bonus.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!<\/a><\/p>\n Williams delivered his first memorable moment as a Cowboy during the 2025 opener, scoring the NFL’s first regular-season touchdown<\/a> in a 24-20 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> now locked down, can the Cowboys snap their postseason drought and get back to their glory days?<\/p>\n Follow us\u00a0@TarHeelsWire<\/a>\u00a0on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels<\/a> news, notes and opinions.<\/p>\n