Rico Dowdle is coming off a career season with the Cowboys.
The encore will take place somewhere else.
Dallas has reached an agreement with Denver’s Javonte Williams on a one-year deal for $3 million with an incentive package that can push that total $3.5 million, a person with knowledge of the contract said. The signing becomes official on Wednesday.
Javonte Williams deal is worth $3 mil and can move to $3.5 with incentives. Last season he rushed for 513 yards in 17 games with a 3.7 average for Denver. He’s scored 11 touchdowns in four seasons.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) March 10, 2025
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The Cowboys were open to Dowdle, who led the team with 1,079 yards rushing last season. He finished the season as the team’s lead back after moving past starter Ezekiel Elliott in the second half of the season.
But the organization is also committed to selecting a running back — likely in the first two days — of next month’s draft. That would have put Dowdle back in the complimentary role he had to start last season.
The agreement with Williams closes the door on Dowdle’s return. It’s also an indication that the Cowboys view Williams as a comparable talent, and more cost-effecient option, than Dowdle.
Williams, a second-round pick out of North Carolina, rushed for 903 yards and averaged 4.4 yards a carry as a rookie before a torn ACL robbed him of most of his second season. He rushed for 513 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 3.7 yards a carry, for the Broncos last season.
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