After two straight years of “plug and play” success with starting running backs, the Cowboys face an interesting offseason dilemma in 2026. Will they pay market value for Javonte Williams after a breakout
year or go the cheap route, either leaning on their younger prospects or looking for another free agent bargain?
Under Contract
Jaydon Blue – One of two intriguing rookies from last year’s draft, Blue spent most of 2025 in the coaches’ doghouse. He did some much-needed flashing in the finale, posting 64 yards and his only touchdown against the Giants. It was hardly enough to say he should be the starter next season, or even worth considering, but it at least helped keep him in the conversation for a roster spot.
Phil Mafah – Our other rookie was stashed on IR until the final game. With Javonte Williams and Hunter Luepke available for the power runs, Mafah would’ve been redundant on the roster. He may be up against that same math this year, but he’ll certainly get another chance to fight his way into a job.
Hunter Luepke (FB) – A jack of many trades, Luepke continues to provide value as a blocker, occasional weapon, special teamer, and even emergency depth at tight end. The Cowboys re-upped his contract last year to keep him through 2027, and he did nothing last season to make them regret that decision.
Israel Abanikanda – Added to the practice squad for the final month of the season, Abanikanda has since signed a futures deal to return in 2026. He’s a former fifth-round pick of the Jets in 2023 and still just 23 years old, so who knows what he could show against other Day 3 prospects like Blue and Mafah?
Free Agents
Javonte Williams – The Big Kahuna Burger of this entire discussion, Williams’ future drives everything. After 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns, he will command considerably more now than the $3 million Dallas got away with paying him last year. Williams showed he can be a bell cow, and much of his production came from extending plays with his own power and talent. He has relatively low NFL mileage for his age (turns 26 in April), so the Cowboys probably won’t be able to lowball him.
Miles Sanders – This was probably Sanders’ last ride in the NFL, and almost certainly for the Cowboys. He was another veteran, like Williams, that Dallas signed on the cheap to compete in August. He got early playing time but was far less effective than Williams, then went out for the year with a knee injury. With younger options already signed and a whole new batch of offseason possibilities, bringing Sanders back just doesn’t make sense.
Malik Davis (RFA) – One of the feel-good stories of last season, Davis finally saw his name in lights after four years of bouncing around the bottom of Dallas’ roster and practice squad. His 43-yard touchdown was huge in the Cowboys’ big win over Kansas City, and then he stepped into a big role with 103 yards on Christmas Day against Washington. If it was enough to create a market for himself, he may not be re-signed as even the lowest RFA tender should be around $3.5 million. Unless he’s coming back for the league minimum, the Dallas chapter of this story may be over.
What’s Needed?
The front office has said they are committed to bringing Williams back, and that they’re already in negotiations with his agent. Getting that deal done before free agency opens in March, and especially April’s draft, is certainly wise. Williams only gains more leverage as replacement options come off the board. And if his asking price is clearly not going to fall within the Cowboys’ acceptable range, better to know that early and work on securing someone new.
If Williams isn’t RB1 next year, then someone new will be needed. Davis or Blue may be okay as a change-of-pace backup, but Davis doesn’t have the overall game to be a starter, and Blue hasn’t earned that kind of trust yet. Mafah is more like Williams in terms of running style, but again, needs to prove more things on the field.
The good news is that there should be some comparable talents to Williams in free agency. If the Jets don’t re-sign Breece Hall, he’s about a year younger than Williams and will likely be the top RB available. But he’s had more sustained production, so will also probably be looking for more money than Williams. The same goes for Seattle’s Kenneth Walker. Another potential free agent is Travis Etienne of Jacksonville, who also has been a steady producer more than Williams. But he’ll be 27 in a few months, which may hurt his market. J.K. Dobbins, Rachaad White, and Isiah Pacheco, and all in the mix of possible free agents, too. Even our old friend Rico Dowdle, who only signed a one-year deal with Carolina, could be up for discussion.
Because Dallas doesn’t have a Day 2 pick this year, at least not currently, counting on the draft for a new starter could be dangerous. They likely won’t spend a first at the position given their other needs. This class isn’t as loaded with RB talent as last year’s, so waiting until the fourth round may not yield anything better than what they already have in Blue and Mafah.
The Cowboys could add some second- or third-round picks by trading down with one of their two first-rounders. This may open the door to a rookie starter at RB, but it’s hard to go into the draft with that need hanging over you. This is another reason why either securing Williams early or deciding to move on is important to their offseason strategy.
