The Dallas Cowboys finally gave rookie running back Jaydon Blue an extended chance in the lineup in Week 18. Blue responded by scoring the first rushing touchdown of his career and offering 64 yards on the ground on 16 carries. While it was a solid step in the right direction, it clearly wasn't enough for the Cowboys to change their minds about the importance of re-signing starter Javonte Williams. The rusher had a career-high 1,201 rushing yards and added 11 touchdowns in an impressive debut season for Dallas.
According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Nick Harris, Stephen Jones reported that the team had already been in contact with Williams' camp regarding a possible re-signing. This is the obvious decision to make, considering the impact Williams had and the need to take pressure off Dak Prescott and the Dallas passing attack. For Blue, it should be viewed as a clear opportunity and not a setback.
Williams provides cover for the young rusher to sit back and continue to develop and make the jump to the next level. Blue has shown progress but isn't likely to be ready to handle a starting role just yet. Re-signing the veteran allows you to play a secondary role and make unexpected plays, not facing the pressure of taking over the starting job after an incredible season from Williams.
Cowboys Attempting to Make Perfect Backfield Decision Bringing Back Javonte Williams
For Blue, you're coming off a rookie season where you offered only 3.4 yards per carry and were limited to 129 overall rushing yards. The fact that 64 of these yards came in the season's finale speaks to a need for further development and a lack of consistency in his rookie campaign. Williams is a necessary piece to allow Dallas to continue evaluating Blue and not attempt to put the back in a role he isn't ready to handle.
The back was the 149th overall pick in the 2025 draft, reiterating that he was always viewed as a developmental piece. Showing progress in the finale is simply enough reason to keep Blue in a reserve role and give the playmaker a chance to be the change-of-pace option behind Williams. This is done with the hope that Blue can eventually develop into a consistent enough answer to handle a starting role.
Regardless, the point remains that re-signing Williams is best for the franchise and the development of its young back. Missing out on Williams would put the Cowboys in a difficult spot and perhaps put far too much pressure on Blue, who isn't ready to handle starting reps. This makes chasing Williams firmly at the top of the Cowboys' offseason priority list.