Williams, a second-round pick by the Broncos in 2021 out of North Carolina, has never quite returned to his rookie form where he rushed for over 900 yards and had over 300 receiving yards while scoring seven total touchdowns. The next year was cut short for him as he suffered a knee injury that caused him to miss all but four games.
While Williams rushed for over 700 yards in 2023 (Sean Payton's first year in Denver) and scored four rushing touchdowns in 2024, the Broncos were clearly okay not paying him and letting him walk. Now he heads to Dallas to help their rushing attack that finished with the sixth-fewest rushing yards in 2024 and are set to potentially lose Rico Dowdle (which now feels like that will indeed happen).
Cowboys add Javonte Williams to RB room in free agency
The Cowboys desperately needed help in the run game and Williams provides them with a nice option to do just that. Williams had one year where he missed a chunk of time but in the three seasons he's been healthy, he's accounted for at least 850 scrimmage yards and scored no fewer than four touchdowns.
In other words, Williams is a good player. The Cowboys got him for cheap as well, making this a pretty solid move on their end. They needed help at running back, signed one for a bargain, and now have to hope he can stay healthy.
The Cowboys need to do more to ensure their rushing attack is better in 2025 but this is a good start. Williams is a good player who can hopefully give this unit a boost.
