In a move that has sent ripples across the NFL landscape, former Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams has agreed to a one-year deal worth $3 million with the Dallas Cowboys. The signing marks a new chapter for Williams, who spent the early part of his career in Denver, where he showed glimpses of his potential as a dynamic playmaker. Now, as he joins the Cowboys, Williams will look to carve out a role in an already crowded backfield and contribute to a team with championship aspirations.
This article delves into the significance of the move for both Javonte Williams and the Dallas Cowboys, exploring the player’s career trajectory, the Cowboys’ running back situation, and what this signing means for the team’s hopes of contending for an NFL title.
Javonte Williams: A Promising Career with the Denver Broncos
Javonte Williams, 23, was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round (35th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. The former North Carolina standout quickly made a name for himself in Denver, establishing himself as one of the more explosive and powerful running backs in the league.
During his rookie season, Williams split time with veteran Melvin Gordon, but still managed to post impressive numbers. He ran for 903 yards and scored four touchdowns on 203 carries. His ability to break tackles, maintain a strong lower body, and accelerate through the line of scrimmage made him a fan favorite in Denver. Williams also showcased his versatility, catching 43 passes for 316 yards and three touchdowns. His ability to contribute both as a rusher and as a receiver gave him a unique edge over many running backs in the league.
Unfortunately for Williams and the Broncos, his 2022 season was marred by injury. In Week 4 of the season, he suffered a torn ACL and LCL in his right knee, forcing him to miss the remainder of the year. The injury raised concerns about his future and his ability to regain his form as one of the league’s top young running backs.
Despite the major setback, Williams worked tirelessly to recover and was able to return for the 2023 season. However, it was clear that he was not yet back to his full capacity. While he still showed flashes of brilliance, his production dipped in comparison to his rookie season. The Broncos, in an effort to bolster their backfield, added veteran running back Samaje Perine, which further complicated Williams’ role in the offense.
As the 2023 season wore on, Williams continued to show flashes of his potential but was not quite the same player that he had been before his injury. Still, the Broncos saw enough promise to consider Williams a part of their future, though his role moving forward remained uncertain.
Why the Dallas Cowboys Made a Move for Williams
The Dallas Cowboys have been one of the NFL’s most consistent and competitive franchises in recent years. With a top-tier defense, a solid offensive line, and a quarterback in Dak Prescott capable of leading the team deep into the playoffs, the Cowboys’ biggest question mark in recent seasons has been the running back position.
While the Cowboys have enjoyed a fair amount of success with Ezekiel Elliott, his decline over the past few seasons led the team to make a difficult decision: to part ways with the former Pro Bowler and release him ahead of the 2023 season. That decision left the Cowboys with Tony Pollard as the team’s undisputed top running back. Pollard, who had been a dynamic playmaker in a complementary role behind Elliott, was given the opportunity to lead the backfield full-time.
Pollard, coming off a career-high 1,007 rushing yards in 2022, is undeniably talented. However, there were questions surrounding his ability to handle a full workload. The Cowboys were aware of the wear and tear that comes with being a lead back in the NFL and sought to add depth and a potential complement to Pollard, especially given the physical nature of the running back position.
Enter Javonte Williams.
The Cowboys’ front office clearly believes that Williams can offer both depth and upside at the position. While Pollard is expected to continue carrying the bulk of the workload, Williams brings a unique skill set that could be valuable in a variety of situations.
Williams is a downhill, physical runner who can break tackles and power through defenders. He also has the ability to catch passes out of the backfield, which fits well into the Cowboys’ pass-heavy offensive scheme. With Williams, the Cowboys now have a potent one-two punch in the backfield, and the added depth allows for more flexibility throughout the season.
Moreover, the Cowboys are in win-now mode. With a roster that is ready to compete for a Super Bowl, having a dynamic running back like Williams could be the difference between a deep playoff run and a team that falls short of its potential. If Williams can regain his pre-injury form, he could provide an excellent complement to Pollard, and together, they could form one of the most dynamic backfield tandems in the league.
The Impact on the Cowboys’ Backfield
With the addition of Javonte Williams, the Dallas Cowboys now have a potentially formidable backfield. Tony Pollard, the established starter, has shown he can be a dynamic playmaker, but his ability to shoulder the full load for an entire season remains uncertain. Williams provides the Cowboys with an option to reduce Pollard’s workload and keep him fresh throughout the season, while also offering a legitimate threat in his own right.
Pollard, who excels as a perimeter runner and in space, can now focus on maximizing his strengths, while Williams can take on more of the between-the-tackles running duties. Williams is a physical, bruising runner who thrives in short-yardage situations and in pounding the ball down the field. This gives the Cowboys flexibility in their game plan, allowing them to adjust based on the opponent and the flow of the game.
Additionally, Williams’ ability to contribute in the passing game offers even more potential for offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy. With the Cowboys’ offense built around Dak Prescott’s arm, having a running back capable of catching passes out of the backfield only increases the offensive versatility. Williams has shown that he can be a reliable target in the passing game, and this could prove crucial in keeping opposing defenses off balance.
The combination of Pollard and Williams also improves the Cowboys’ ability to run the football in various game situations. Whether it’s running the clock in a close game or attacking an opponent’s defense in short-yardage scenarios, the dual-threat nature of the Cowboys’ backfield makes them a dangerous team when it comes to controlling the tempo of the game.
What to Expect from Williams in 2024
While the Cowboys’ acquisition of Javonte Williams is undoubtedly an exciting one, expectations must be tempered. Williams is still recovering from a significant knee injury, and there is always a level of uncertainty when a player returns from such a traumatic injury. Though he has had ample time to rehab and recover, it remains to be seen whether Williams can recapture the form that made him one of the league’s most promising young running backs.
That said, the Cowboys’ decision to sign Williams to a one-year, $3 million contract is a relatively low-risk, high-reward move. If Williams can regain his full potential, the Cowboys have a dynamic and versatile backfield that could rival some of the best in the league. Even if Williams doesn’t return to his rookie form immediately, he still represents an upgrade in depth, offering valuable insurance in case of injury or fatigue throughout the season.
With the Cowboys’ championship window wide open, having a backfield that can wear down opposing defenses, catch passes, and provide a solid running game will only enhance their chances of a successful 2024 campaign. If Williams plays to his potential, he could become a key contributor to the team’s postseason aspirations.
A Smart Move for Both Sides
In the end, the signing of Javonte Williams by the Dallas Cowboys is a win-win for both parties. For Williams, it offers an opportunity to restart his career in a new city and show that he can still be a major force in the NFL. For the Cowboys, it provides an upgrade to their running back depth, ensuring that they are prepared for whatever challenges the 2024 season may throw at them.
While there are questions surrounding Williams’ recovery from injury, the potential upside is undeniable. If he can stay healthy and return to his rookie-year form, Williams could be a key player in the Cowboys’ push for a Super Bowl. In a highly competitive NFC, every addition counts, and adding a player of Williams’ talent at a reasonable cost is a move that could pay huge dividends in the long run.
As the 2024 NFL season draws nearer, fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how Williams fits into the Cowboys’ system and whether he can live up to the potential that made him one of the most highly regarded running back prospects just a few years ago. For now, however, the Dallas Cowboys have a new weapon in their arsenal, and it could prove to be a game-changer when the season kicks off.
