The North Carolina Tar Heels have a niche for developing and landing star running backs, then later turning them into NFL Draft selections.

We know the name Gio Bernard rings a bell, while those who watched UNC football in 2024 are familiar will all things Omarion Hampton. You likely also recognize the likes of Ty Chandler and Michael Carter, plus who could forget Elijah Hood?

There’s another running back we haven’t mentioned yet: Javonte Williams, who ran for 1,140 yards during North Carolina’s COVID-altered 2020 season.

Williams, originally a Denver Broncos 2021 second-round pick who started 24 of his last 33 games for the franchise, agreed to a 1-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, March 10 – the first day of 2025 NFL Free Agency. Williams’ deal becomes official on Wednesday, March 12.

Since releasing Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas hasn’t been able to find consistency at the running back position. With Williams, they get a proven, starting back who can play every down.

Williams nearly hit the 1,000-yard mark during his rookie (2021) season in Denver, rushing for a career-high 903 yards and four touchdowns. An ACL tear cut Williams’ 2022 campaign short, then he struggled to find the same consistent explosiveness after.

In Chapel Hill, Williams was part of the last Tar Heels team (2019) to win a bowl game. Williams played his freshman season under Larry Fedora, then his final two under Mack Brown’s guidance.

By nabbing Williams, the Cowboys are signaling an end to the short-lived Rico Dowdle era. Williams get a prove-it deal to showcase he can still be a starting NFL running back, something Dallas is so desperate to find.

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC standout Javonte Williams to sign 1-year deal with Dallas Cowboys