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.
