After two straight years of “plug and play” success with beginning working backs, the Cowboys face an fascinating offseason dilemma in 2026. Will they pay market worth for Javonte Williams after a breakout 12 months or go a budget route, both leaning on their youthful prospects or in search of one other free agent discount?
Jaydon Blue – One in all two intriguing rookies from final 12 months’s draft, Blue spent most of 2025 within the coaches’ doghouse. He did some much-needed flashing within the finale, posting 64 yards and his solely landing towards the Giants. It was hardly sufficient to say he needs to be the starter subsequent season, and even price contemplating, however it no less than helped hold him within the dialog for a roster spot.
Phil Mafah – Our different rookie was stashed on IR till the ultimate sport. With Javonte Williams and Hunter Luepke out there for the ability runs, Mafah would’ve been redundant on the roster. He could also be up towards that very same math this 12 months, however he’ll definitely get one other probability to battle his approach right into a job.
Hunter Luepke (FB) – A jack of many trades, Luepke continues to offer worth as a blocker, occasional weapon, particular teamer, and even emergency depth at tight finish. The Cowboys re-upped his contract final 12 months to maintain him by way of 2027, and he did nothing final season to make them remorse that call.
Israel Abanikanda – Added to the observe squad for the ultimate month of the season, Abanikanda has since signed a futures deal to return in 2026. He’s a former fifth-round decide of the Jets in 2023 and nonetheless simply 23 years previous, so who is aware of what he may present towards different Day 3 prospects like Blue and Mafah?
Javonte Williams – The Massive Kahuna Burger of this whole dialogue, Williams’ future drives all the things. After 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns, he’ll command significantly extra now than the $3 million Dallas received away with paying him final 12 months. Williams confirmed he could be a bell cow, and far of his manufacturing got here from extending performs together with his personal energy and expertise. He has comparatively low NFL mileage for his age (turns 26 in April), so the Cowboys in all probability gained’t be capable of lowball him.
Miles Sanders – This was in all probability Sanders’ final trip within the NFL, and nearly definitely for the Cowboys. He was one other veteran, like Williams, that Dallas signed on a budget to compete in August. He received early taking part in time however was far much less efficient than Williams, then went out for the 12 months with a knee harm. With youthful choices already signed and a complete new batch of offseason prospects, bringing Sanders again simply doesn’t make sense.
Malik Davis (RFA) – One of many feel-good tales of final season, Davis lastly noticed his title in lights after 4 years of bouncing across the backside of Dallas’ roster and observe squad. His 43-yard landing was large within the Cowboys’ massive win over Kansas Metropolis, after which he stepped into an enormous function with 103 yards on Christmas Day towards Washington. If it was sufficient to create a marketplace for himself, he is probably not re-signed as even the bottom RFA tender needs to be round $3.5 million. Until he’s coming again for the league minimal, the Dallas chapter of this story could also be over.
The entrance workplace has stated they’re dedicated to bringing Williams again, and that they’re already in negotiations together with his agent. Getting that deal executed earlier than free company opens in March, and particularly April’s draft, is definitely smart. Williams solely beneficial properties extra leverage as substitute choices come off the board. And if his asking value is clearly not going to fall throughout the Cowboys’ acceptable vary, higher to know that early and work on securing somebody new.
If Williams isn’t RB1 subsequent 12 months, then somebody new shall be wanted. Davis or Blue could also be okay as a change-of-pace backup, however Davis doesn’t have the general sport to be a starter, and Blue hasn’t earned that form of belief but. Mafah is extra like Williams by way of working type, however once more, must show extra issues on the sphere.
The excellent news is that there needs to be some comparable abilities to Williams in free company. If the Jets don’t re-sign Breece Corridor, he’s a couple of 12 months youthful than Williams and can doubtless be the highest RB out there. However he’s had extra sustained manufacturing, so may even in all probability be in search of more cash than Williams. The identical goes for Seattle’s Kenneth Walker. One other potential free agent is Travis Etienne of Jacksonville, who additionally has been a gradual producer greater than Williams. However he’ll be 27 in just a few months, which can harm his market. J.Ok. Dobbins, Rachaad White, and Isiah Pacheco, and all within the mixture of potential free brokers, too. Even our previous pal Rico Dowdle, who solely signed a one-year take care of Carolina, could possibly be up for dialogue.
As a result of Dallas doesn’t have a Day 2 decide this 12 months, no less than not at present, relying on the draft for a brand new starter could possibly be harmful. They doubtless gained’t spend a primary on the place given their different wants. This class isn’t as loaded with RB expertise as final 12 months’s, so ready till the fourth spherical could not yield something higher than what they have already got in Blue and Mafah.
The Cowboys may add some second- or third-round picks by buying and selling down with considered one of their two first-rounders. This may occasionally open the door to a rookie starter at RB, however it’s onerous to enter the draft with that want hanging over you. That is one more reason why both securing Williams early or deciding to maneuver on is necessary to their offseason technique.
