The Cowboys have had a major philosophical shift when it comes to the running back position. From 2016 to 2023, they had one of the league’s most expensive backfields and it was clearly a position they prioritized.
But over the last two off seasons, Dallas has been comfortable paying next-to-nothing at the position. In fact, no team spent less money on their running backs in 2024 than America's Team.
The Cowboys are rolling with that plan again in 2025 with all of their current running backs on the roster (and fullbacks) accounting for just $8.1 million. And that includes a few inflated numbers for veterans like Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. But who is expected to be the lead running back for the Cowboys this season after they let Rico Dowdle walk this offseason?
The expectation is that Williams will get the first crack at the starting job, and the team is hopeful he can get back to how he played in 2021 and '22. They believe a change in scenery and a more established offense are what Williams needs to get his career turned around.
In a recent article by Bill Barnwell of ESPN, he wrote about several players who could have a “Sam Darnold type” resurgence in the NFL this season. Essentially, former big-name players who could turn around their careers in new homes. That list included two current Cowboys, including George Pickens and Javonte Williams.
New Cowboys RB Javonte Williams projected to have bounce-back season in 2025
Here is a snippet of what Barnwell had to say about the former North Carolina running back:
"Why replace Dowdle with a back who has averaged 3.7 yards per carry and posted the league's fifth-worst success rate since returning from a multi-ligament knee injury in 2023? The Cowboys would probably argue the move makes sense because of Williams' range of abilities. There's a case that he is a more complete back given his body of work as a receiver and pass blocker. Dallas didn't necessarily trust Dowdle with pass blocking until the second half of last season, when they named him the full-time starter."Bill Barnwell, ESPN
Barnwell noted at the bottom of the piece that only $1 million of the $3 million contract for Williams is guaranteed, which means he is not a lock to make the roster.
However, he is the most complete back on the roster, and he’s only 25 years old. The biggest question is how much juice does Williams have left after his major knee injury, and can the young offensive line for Dallas gel quickly enough to open up running lanes?
By hiring Klayton Adams as offensive coordinator and Conor Riley as offensive line coach, the Cowboys are dead set on improving their rushing attack this year, and it sure seems like Williams will get the first crack at being the starter.
With defenses likely to play a lot of two-high safeties because of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, Williams should face plenty of light boxes this year. It’s now or never for Williams to show that he can still be a starter in the NFL.
And with a golden opportunity ahead of him, don’t be surprised if he ends up outperforming expectations in a new city and a new team.
