Cowboys signing ex-Broncos RB Javonte Williams could spell the end of Rico Dowdle’s stint in Dallas
The Dallas Cowboys signed Javonte Williams to a one-year deal, signaling the possible end of Rico Dowdle's tenure despite crossing 1000 yards in 2024.
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Rico Dowdle and Javonte Williams (Image via IMAGO)
The Dallas Cowboys took the first step in improving their run game on Monday by signing former Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams. This doesn’t bode well for Rico Dowdle.
One key area the Cowboys needed to work on in free agency was the running back position. The bar wasn’t very high after Aaron Jones re-signed with the Vikings, leaving Najee Harris as the only other high-profile name available for the right price.
The Cowboys always had the option in hand to continue with Dowdle and draft a rookie RB in April. Several mock drafts linked Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty with the Dallas outfit, but they didn’t wait that long and made a move on the first day of free agency.
On Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the Cowboys signed free agent RB Javonte Williams, who played for the Broncos in 2024. Williams penned a one-year, $3 million deal.
This move could possibly end Rico Dowdle’s chances as the starting running back for the Cowboys in 2025. A worst-case scenario for the 26-year-old would be that the Cowboys cut ties with him. He recorded 235 carries for 1079 yards and scored a total of 5 touchdowns (2 rushing and 3 receiving).
Dowdle kept out the likes of Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook from starting games with his performances, but the signing of Williams does indicate the Cowboys’ new regime under Brian Schottenheimer is aiming for something different in the new season.
Nothing is set in stone as of yet. Dowdle is still a Cowboys player, but the question is for how long? If Jones does intend to target a young rusher in the draft, then they will have a surplus of RBs and must release someone to balance the checkbooks. Elliott’s no longer in Dallas, and Cook will also become a free agent soon.
Javonte Williams provides a different set of skills for the Cowboys to work with
Williams was by far the worst running back on the Broncos team last year. Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime had better yards after catch success rates with 45% and 37%, while Williams posted just 27% as per veteran football analyst Warren Sharp. Moreover, 23% of Williams runs resulted in zero gains.
The numbers may scare Cowboys nation, but there’s an upside to Williams’ game. He is more well-rounded compared to Dowdle.
The Broncos used their former second-rounder as an extra blocker for quarterback Bo Nix. He was also among Nix’s most reliable targets as per the Next Gen stats (52 receptions ranked second on the team).
Williams during his four seasons in Denver caused 134 missed tackles, 1777 yards after contact and a total of 966 receiving yards. He capped off the 2024 season with 606 carries for 2,394 yards and 11 TDs in his four NFL seasons along with 158 catches for 966 yards and 5 scores. Dak Prescott has something new to work with.
Related: Sauce Gardner makes a bold admission about Aaron Rodgers if he possibly lands up at Vikings
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