It’s usually a pretty good idea to re-sign good players, so when the Dallas Cowboys signed free agent to-be Javonte Williams to a reasonably priced three-year deal, it gets marked as a win, right? The answer really depends on a few factors.
The running back position has long been a topic of great debate in the NFL. The running backs don’t matter crowd argues rushing success is based more on blocking and play design than actual RB talent. The RB truthers insist good RBs make all the difference and stats like yards after contact show that value. Both sides agree rushing is more in vogue today than it was in recent years before, but value of individuals still remains a point of contention.
Given the depth of the RB free agent class and availability in the draft class, the Cowboys weren’t under tremendous pressure to break the bank to keep Williams. Keeping him was safe move since they know all of the skills he brings to the table and his fit within the offense, but there are many other fish Dallas has to fry before 2026 can be viewed as a successful offseason. Positions like edge, linebacker, safety, cornerback and offensive tackle all need their attention. Perhaps the biggest to-do on the offseason to-do list is locking up George Pickens to a new deal.
Retaining Williams is a solid move but compared to the Cowboys’ other needs, Williams is a luxury. If the Cowboys fail to address any of these needs, the Williams signing seems almost pointless, like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.
The three-year, $24 million dollar contract looks like a fair market deal. It’s just a tick under Cowboys Wire’s KD Drummond’s suggested Williams extension. The 25-year-old is coming off a career year in 2025 and should be fulfilling the terms of his new deal during the prime of his career. At an average annual value of $8 million, Williams slots in as the 16th highest paid running back. It’s hard to argue there are 16 NFL running backs more valuable than Williams right now so it appears to be solid bang for the buck. But $8 million on the balance sheet is $8 million on the balance sheet and if it somehow makes things more difficult to sign other players, that $8 million becomes a problem.
The Cowboys have long avoided signing impact veterans in free agency but have indicated through words and actions this year will be different. This year has to be. Dallas had a historically poor defense in 2025, struggling in both phases of the game at all levels of the defense. If the Cowboys ever want to elevate to actual contender status again, they’ll need vast improvement from the defense. Brining in Christian Parker to lead the defense is a step in the right direction but multiple roster upgrades are needed as well.
Getting at least one starting caliber pass rusher in free agency is a must. Even if the Cowboys re-sign Jadeveon Clowney and even if Donovan Ezeiruaku and James Houston shine in Parker’s new 3-4, they still need a proven pressure player to carry the load at edge and that’s not likely to come cheap. If Williams’ $8 million salary somehow gets in the way of Dallas addressing this need, it becomes a problem.
Additionally, the Cowboys need, at minimum, a veteran inside linebacker to join the fold. The play at LB last season was so poor, some are calling for a complete overhaul. The hope is Parker and a scheme change will be enough to salvage the careers of one of two current LBs, but Dallas can’t bank on that hope alone. LBs are typically cheaper positions to fill than edge, so addressing this spot shouldn’t break the bank, but if Williams’ money somehow prevents them from adding an impact LB, it becomes a problem.
Not loving the free agent market at LB this year. Options could dry up quickly so teams in need would be wise to look to the draft to plug holes pic.twitter.com/glXSabxI68
— Reid D Hanson (@ReidDHanson) January 21, 2026
Safety has jumped to the forefront ever since Parker alluded to it during his introductory presser. Parker wants a do-it-all presence that can play deep, play in the box, man up in the slot and fulfill all the required run fits. These types of safeties don’t grow on trees so a major investment will be needed. Based on the roster, Dallas really needs to walk away with at least two quality safeties this offseason, with at least one coming in free agency. Like LB, safeties don’t usually cost an arm and a leg, but this is a spot Parker can’t go cheap. A real investment must be made and Williams’ money can’t impede them from making this investment.
The NFL’s free agent safety class looks rock solid. Plenty of starting quality and depth in 2026 pic.twitter.com/VVUPWfeHRF
— Reid D Hanson (@ReidDHanson) January 21, 2026
The biggest money deal staring the Dallas front office in the face this offseason is the Pickens situation. Likely to be franchise tagged while a long-term deal is negotiated, Pickens could be the distraction of the offseason if things drag out. While there’s value in slow-playing Pickens and staying noncommittal in 2026, there’s also risk if Pickens responds poorly and the distraction impacts the team. There’s no telling how things will shake out with Pickens but if the two sides legitimately want to get a deal done but find themselves $2-3 million in AAV apart, Williams’ deal becomes a problem.
Retaining Williams on a new deal is great, but it’s a way down on the priority list. The Cowboys have seen firsthand how low-cost RBs can be plunked into a good offense and still succeed yet they decided to invest over twice as much in the position anyway. If all the other boxes get checked then this will go down as a great move but if those more important to-dos don’t get done, then it’s problematic.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Williams extension is smart if it doesn’t stop other Cowboys FA moves