Blogging The Boys
As the Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 season draws to a close, we’re reminded of the business side that comes with the NFL. In a short few months, some tough decisions will have to be made. The most burning question has been about defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and his hot seat, which has to feel like sitting on molten rock after his defensive unit disappointed this year. There’s also the topic of what the Cowboys should do about the impending free agency of George Pickens. Pickens has exceeded all expectations since arriving in Dallas and will certainly receive a pay raise, whether that be by a new contract here or elsewhere, or the franchise tag. Yet, there’s one contract decision that has gone under the radar.
Running back Javonte Williams was signed by the team last offseason for a modest $3 million contract and expected to compete with Miles Sanders for the starting job. Almost immediately, he separated himself from Sanders and every other running back on the roster. He has compiled 1,201 rushing yards and 11 rushing scores this season, despite playing through some ailments. He has been a punishing force for the Dallas rushing attack that has given them a physical identity to pair with their high-flying passing game. It’s a no-brainer that the Cowboys would love to have him back, as he fits in seamlessly with Klayton Adams’ running philosophies. However, yesterday’s price is not today’s price for Williams, and he is very deserving of a pay increase as well.
Unlike Pickens, the franchise tag for a running back doesn’t make a lot of sense for Dallas. To simplify, the franchise tag price is determined by the top five running back salaries in the NFL, adding them up, and then taking the average. That number would cost the Cowboys roughly $14M to place the tag on Williams. That’s not going to happen. You may not like where this is going, but be prepared for a scenario where Williams isn’t part of the Cowboys’ future plans.
The foundation is set. Dallas has the ideal run designer in Adams, the interior offensive line are fantastic run blockers with Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, and Tyler Booker. The Cowboys have now produced a 1,000-yard rusher in each of the last three seasons with as many different runners. Therefore, Dallas likely won’t be beholden keeping continuity there. Should the Cowboys decide to go in a different direction at running back, don’t fret. Here are a few options that are all pending free agents, and could fill the role at the price point the Cowboys like.
Kenneth Walker
While the Seattle Seahawks have enjoyed a lot of success this year, the one thing that has been puzzling is the usage of Kenneth Walker. When healthy, Walker is an efficient runner who is hard to tackle in space. He runs with a low center of gravity that causes defenders to slip right off him. For some reason, Seattle has put Walker in a split backfield with...
