Dallas Cowboys Identify Big-Name NFL Running Back To Replace Javonte Williams

The Dallas Cowboys need to make some moves. Javonte Williams brought his career back to life, and he’s likely looking at a big contract now.

That’s why, as much as they would love to keep the former Denver Broncos star around for longer, that won’t be possible. They’ve already been tied to one target to replace the star running back.

Now, Alex Kay of Bleacher Report believes they should go all-in on Travis Etienne. The Jacksonville Jaguars star will also be a free agent, and he might be a much cheaper option.

“If Williams elects to take his talents elsewhere, the Cowboys will have to scour the market to find a replacement. With only little-used backups Jaydon Blue, Israel Abanikanda and Phil Mafah are under contract for the 2026 season, the door would be open for a blockbuster free-agent acquisition,” Kay wrote.

Per Kay, Etienne could give this team something they have lacked in years: Stability. They haven’t had a true workhorse running back to lead the way for more than one year since prime Ezekiel Elliott:

“Etienne would be a sensible choice for a Cowboys team that should be feeling desperate for some backfield stability. The team hasn’t fielded the same Week 1 starter in consecutive years since Ezekiel Elliott departed for the first time in 2022, but Etienne could fill that void and hold down Dallas’ RB1 job for the next few years.”

Etienne is coming off turning 260 carries into 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns. He also had 36 receptions on 52 targets for 292 yards and six touchdowns.

Javonte Williams’ Departure Will Be A Big Blow For The Cowboys

Of course, in an ideal world, the Cowboys would probably just keep Williams around.

He’s certainly earned it. He turned 252 carries into 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns, and finally looked like the star he seemed poised to become when he first entered the league.

That being said, there’s only so much money to throw around. The Cowboys acquired another big contract in the Quinnen Williams trade, and they’re already spending big on Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.

Add George Pickens’ potential extension to the mix, and the Cowboys will certainly have to make some cuts.