Dallas Cowboys are moving different, keep RB Javonte Williams off free agent market with 3-year deal

The Dallas Cowboys are indeed moving different.

Free agency doesn’t officially start until March 11. The NFL Scouting Combine, where teams usually begin talking with the agents of prospective free agents, is still a few days away.

But a Cowboys team that has already embarked on one of the most dramatic off seasons in many years continued to show that change is afoot in how they go about their business by reaching three-year deal for $24 million with running back Javonte Williams on Saturday.

The deal includes $16 million guaranteed money and averages $8 million annually.

Dallas and free-agent-to-be RB Javonte Williams reached agreement on a three-year contract that includes $16 million in guaranteed money.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 21, 2026

It’s huge come up for Williams, who joined the Cowboys on a one-year prove it deal for $3 million before last season after two injury-plagued seasons with the Denver Broncos.

Williams ran for career-highs in yards (1,201), touchdowns (11) and yards per carry (4.8) in 2025.

The Cowboys have stated that re-signing Williams was one of their top off season priorities.

Williams said in December that he wanted to remain in Dallas. He wanted to maximize his options in free agency and capitalize off his big season but he said his experience with the Cowboys was special.

“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.”