The Dallas Cowboys are in offseason mode following head coach Brian Schottenheimer's first year on the job. As with most fan bases without playoff football to watch, Cowboys fans are already thinking about what the next few months will look like, including whether or not veteran running back Javonte Williams will return for the 2026 NFL season.
Williams joined the Cowboys on a one-year, 'prove-it' contract last offseason, resulting in a 2025 campaign to remember. The former Denver Broncos RB set career bests in carries (252), rushing yards (1,201), touchdowns (11), and yards per carry (4.8) in 16 appearances this season, playing a big role — along with his 35 catches for 137 receiving yards and two TDs — in why Spotrac is projecting his next deal to be worth $7.3 million annually.
While it'd be great to see Williams run things back in Dallas, the fact that he ended the year on injured reserve and could demand a steeper price in free agency might force the Cowboys to reconsider a return. That's even more so the case following the latest buzz surrounding Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery.
David Montgomery Is the Perfect Cowboys Offseason Trade Target
On Thursday, Lions general manager Brad Holmes hinted that he could be open to trading Montgomery this offseason, per ESPN's Eric Woodyard. While the 28-year-old RB has been a key contributor during his Motor City stay, his diminished role behind Jahmyr Gibbs in the 2025 season seemingly has both sides ready for a fresh start.
And if that's the case, Cowboys owner/GM Jerry Jones needs to give Holmes a call.
After all, if Williams isn't going to return, Montgomery could be more than suitable as Dallas' RB1 next season. The Iowa State product has been an effective runner, whether he's been with the Lions or Chicago Bears, amassing 6,115 rushing yards on 1,477 carries and 1,890 receiving yards on 231 catches across seven seasons, scoring 63 total TDs along the way.
The 2025 season was far from his best performance, but Montgomery still managed 158-716-8 and 24-192-0 stat lines on the ground and as a receiver, respectively. He ended up tying his career-best, averaging 5.0 yards per touch, which is a rate that was actually better than Williams' (4.7). What's even more impressive is that Montgomery had that success despite the Lions' numerous offensive line issues. Imagine what he could do behind the Cowboys' unit?
Potential David Montgomery Trade Also Helps Cowboys' Cap Situation
Montgomery could have a solid impact in the Cowboys' backfield; however, he can also help Jones & Co. from a salary cap perspective. According to Spotrac, Dallas' plethora of big-money contracts has put the team more than $23 million over the 2026 cap. Some relief would be greatly appreciated, without question.
Fortunately, a Montgomery trade would help with that. For starters, not only is his $8.3 million cap hit next season not that far off from Williams' projections, but he's only due $6 million in actual cash. That's followed by a $10.2 million cap hit and $9 million in cash for the 2027 season, which is still more than affordable if he can keep playing at his current level for the duration of the deal.
With two years remaining, the Cowboys could also restructure Montgomery's contract to provide even more salary cap relief. These are the type of benefits they might not be able to get with Williams, who's going to want to make as much money as possible following a career year. Given there's no guarantee that lightning will strike twice, the Cowboys might feel more comfortable committing to a more proven commodity like Montgomery.
Williams would be missed if he leaves in March, but it's hard not to like a Cowboys RB room led by Montgomery, Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah, and (a potentially re-signed) Malik Davis. And considering just how much joining Dallas helped Williams turn his career around, there's no reason to doubt that Montgomery couldn't do the same next season.