Javonte Williams found a home in 2025, and now he's cashed in to stay there for the long run.
The Dallas Cowboys and Williams have agreed to terms on a three-year, $24 million extension that includes $16 million guaranteed, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Saturday.
Dallas announced the extension shortly thereafter.
The extension comes a few weeks before Williams would have been able to negotiate with other teams in free agency starting March 9, and it follows a breakout season for the ball-carrier.
Williams came to Dallas as somewhat of an afterthought last season following a downturn at the end of his time with the Broncos.
A 2021 second-round pick, Williams looked to have the makings of an explosive feature back as a rookie, but a knee injury cut short his '22 campaign and seemed to sap him of his explosiveness the next two seasons in Denver.
He then signed a one-year, $3 million prove-it deal with the Cowboys and promptly proceeded to do so. Having rushed for 1,287 yards and seven touchdowns from 2023-24, he nearly eclipsed that rushing total in a single season wearing the star.
Williams rushed for 1,201 yards and 11 TDs -- doubling his career rushing TD total -- with a career-high 4.8 yards per carry. He also added 35 catches for 137 yards and two more scores, continuing to be a sure-handed outlet as he has his entire career.
His output provided the Cowboys with a balanced offensive attack the team hadn't enjoyed for several years, making him a valuable piece to lock down heading into 2026.
Still only a few months away from his 26th birthday, Williams comes at a reasonable bargain for Dallas. His $8 million annual average salary places him tied for 16th with the Bears' D'Andre Swift among running backs -- just above former Cowboy Tony Pollard's $7.3 million with the Titans.
Now that Williams has been taken care of early, all eyes turn to how the Cowboys approach things with their other big-name free agent: wide receiver George Pickens.
