One of the most important free agents the Dallas Cowboys have to make a decision on is running back Javonte Williams.
Signed to a one-year, $3 million last offseason, Williams proved to be an absolute steal for the Cowboys after posting career-bests with 1,201 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, which also helped revive his career.
Throughout the season, both sides have made it clear they want to stay together, and that is the expectation as free agency looms in March.
“We want to bring him back and sign him to a multiple-year deal,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said of Williams.
“You don’t always want to just follow money and things like that. You want to go somewhere where you actually want to succeed and be a part of something that’s special. So, I feel like it’s very special here. But I am just trying to keep making plays right now and see how it turns out," Williams said.
However, Pro Football and Sports Network's Ryan Guthrie sees things differently. He predicts the Washington Commanders will scoop up Williams, who Spotrac projects will land a three-year, $22 million contract.
Here's Guthrie's thoughts on the move.
Washington can afford to gamble. With Jayden Daniels on a rookie deal, the Commanders can invest in a physical run game.
Javonte Williams is coming off a career year with over 1,200 rushing yards and a top-10 NFL PFSN RB impact grade (74.5). Dan Quinn gets back to a hard-nosed identity while protecting his young quarterback.
This is a logical prediction from Guthrie, as the Commanders definitely need an addition at the running back position.
Washington has Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez all set to be free agents, which leaves Jacory Croskey-Merritt as the only notable back under contract for 2026.
While "Bill" showed plenty of promise, there were plenty of warts as well and chances are the Commanders are not going to hand him the starting job in 2026.
Adding Williams gives the Commanders a grinder who can carry the load and take some pressure off Jayden Daniels, something that should be a point of emphasis.
A one-two punch of Williams and Croskey-Merritt would be a versatile duo.
The former is a power runner capable of making an impact in the passing game, and Croskey-Merritt offers a fantastic change of pace as a more explosive back.
We tend to believe Williams is going to stay in Dallas, but the Commanders have a distinct advantage over the Cowboys with a ton of cap space, and that could prove to be the difference.
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