Blogging The Boys
After two straight years of “plug and play” success with starting running backs, the Cowboys face an interesting offseason dilemma in 2026. Will they pay market value for Javonte Williams after a breakout year or go the cheap route, either leaning on their younger prospects or looking for another free agent bargain?
Jaydon Blue – One of two intriguing rookies from last year’s draft, Blue spent most of 2025 in the coaches’ doghouse. He did some much-needed flashing in the finale, posting 64 yards and his only touchdown against the Giants. It was hardly enough to say he should be the starter next season, or even worth considering, but it at least helped keep him in the conversation for a roster spot.
Phil Mafah – Our other rookie was stashed on IR until the final game. With Javonte Williams and Hunter Luepke available for the power runs, Mafah would’ve been redundant on the roster. He may be up against that same math this year, but he’ll certainly get another chance to fight his way into a job.
Hunter Luepke (FB) – A jack of many trades, Luepke continues to provide value as a blocker, occasional weapon, special teamer, and even emergency depth at tight end. The Cowboys re-upped his contract last year to keep him through 2027, and he did nothing last season to make them regret that decision.
Israel Abanikanda – Added to the practice squad for the final month of the season, Abanikanda has since signed a futures deal to return in 2026. He’s a former fifth-round pick of the Jets in 2023 and still just 23 years old, so who knows what he could show against other Day 3 prospects like Blue and Mafah?
Javonte Williams – The Big Kahuna Burger of this entire discussion, Williams’ future drives everything. After 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns, he will command considerably more now than the $3 million Dallas got away with paying him last year. Williams showed he can be a bell cow, and much of his production came from extending plays with his own power and talent. He has relatively low NFL mileage for his age (turns 26 in April), so the Cowboys probably won’t be able to lowball him.
Miles Sanders – This was probably Sanders’ last ride in the NFL, and almost certainly for the Cowboys. He was another veteran, like Williams, that Dallas signed on the cheap to compete in August. He got early playing time but was far less effective than Williams, then went out for the year with a knee injury. With younger options already signed and a whole new batch of offseason possibilities, bringing Sanders back just doesn’t make sense.
Malik Davis (RFA) – One of the feel-good stories of last season, Davis finally saw his name in lights after four years of bouncing around the bottom of Dallas’ roster and practice squad. His 43-yard touchdown was huge in the Cowboys’ big win over Kansas City,...
