While Rico Dowdle’s time in Dallas appears to be over, the Cowboys will have another veteran in their backfield in 2025.
The team agreed to terms with running back Javonte Williams, marking the team’s first external addition during this year’s free-agency negotiation period. Williams will join the Cowboys after spending the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Denver Broncos.
Here’s what you should know about the Cowboys’ newest running back:
1. The basics
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Name: Javonte Williams
Position: RB
Ht.: 5-10 Wt.: 220 pounds
Birthday: April 25, 2000
College: North Carolina
2. Thrived in his last visit to AT&T Stadium
If Williams’ name rings a bell for some Cowboys fans, that’s because he had a pretty dominant game the last time he played in North Texas.
During the 2021 season, Williams was looking like one of the NFL’s top rookie rushers. Although the Broncos struggled through much of the campaign, Williams was key in helping the team pull off a 30-16 upset over the Cowboys in Week 9.
Williams and the Broncos picked up on Dallas’ run-stuffing issues early in the matchup, leading the rookie to 111 yards on 17 carries. That game marked the first 100-yard performance of Williams’ professional career.
Click here for a look at Williams’ highlights from that matchup.
3. An injury slowed his progress
The 2021 season is still Williams’ best from a statistical standpoint. He finished his rookie campaign with 903 yards and four touchdowns on 203 carries, looking to build momentum the following year.
Williams’ progress was slowed in Week 4 of the 2022 season when he suffered a knee injury against the Las Vegas Raiders. The running back’s season ended early as he sustained a torn ACL. According to NFL.com, an MRI also revealed tears in Williams’ LCL and posterolateral corner (PLC).
4. Was part of a record-setting tandem at UNC
Williams had a productive collegiate career at North Carolina, rushing for 2,297 yards and 29 touchdowns in three seasons with the Tar Heels. He posted those numbers while sharing backfield duties with Michael Carter from 2018-20.
Williams and Carter broke an NCAA record in a 62-26 win over Miami (FL) in 2020, combining for 544 yards on the ground. Carter ran for 308 yards and two scores, while Williams followed closely with 236 yards and three touchdowns.
Both Williams and Carter were drafted in 2021. Williams was taken by Denver in the second round, while Carter went to the New York Jets in the fourth round.
5. Williams was one of the youngest RBs on the market
Williams still has a lot left in the tank. While he’ll give the Cowboys a veteran presence at running back, he was also one of the youngest players available at his position.
The newest Cowboy will turn 25 in April and already has four years of NFL experience under his belt. With Williams joining the roster, Dowdle’s playing career will continue elsewhere. Dowdle was Dallas’ leading rusher in 2024 with 1,079 yards on the ground.
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