Sources: Cowboys agree to three-year deal with RB Williams

FRISCO, Texas — On Saturday, the Dallas Cowboys secured a crucial player for their offense by finalizing a three-year contract with running back Javonte Williams, which guarantees him $16 million, according to sources citing ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The total value of the deal is $24 million and includes a signing bonus of $6 million, as per the sources.

As the Cowboys prepare to head to Indianapolis for the NFL scouting combine next week, they will also focus on Pro Bowl wide receiver George Pickens. The team plans to utilize the franchise tag on Pickens at an estimated cost of around $28 million before the March 3 deadline, hoping to negotiate a long-term agreement afterward. Last season, Pickens achieved career highs in receptions (93), yardage (1,429), and touchdowns (nine).

Last year, Williams reached personal bests in rushing yards, carries, and touchdowns in his debut season with the Cowboys after signing a one-year contract worth $3 million. He previously spent four years with the Denver Broncos, who drafted him in the second round of the 2021 draft.

Williams amassed 1,201 rushing yards, ranking ninth in the NFL, despite missing the final game due to a stinger that he dealt with for much of the last month of the season. Turning 26 in April, he also recorded 252 carries and 11 rushing touchdowns, following previous highs of 903 yards (2021), 217 carries (2023), and four touchdowns (2021, ’24) with the Broncos. His 2022 season was largely sidelined after he tore the ACL and LCL in his right knee.

His 1,201 rushing yards marked the highest total by a Cowboys running back since Ezekiel Elliott recorded 1,357 yards in 2019. also, Williams caught 35 passes for a total of 137 yards and contributed two touchdowns.