The Dallas Cowboys saw their running game go to the next level with Javonte Williams last season. He's now re-signed for the future with a three-year deal. The question for the Cowboys remains who will be the RB2 for this team.
The initial expectation was that it would be Jaydon Blue, the 2025 fifth-round pick out of Texas. There was plenty of excitement for the local state running back to make his mark in his rookie year, but that was not the case at all. It was a rough year for Blue, to say the least, but it looks like he's been ready to start afresh and put that in the rearview mirror.
Blue gave a strong statement to The Athletic to describe his rookie year and what the challenges were.
Jaydon Blue says he's confident in working to get better from his rookie year
“I didn’t start off like I should have. Maybe if it was not practicing the right way or just on a maturity level, I think I wasn’t really there, Blue said. “But just learning from all the vets, having the offseason that I’ve had, I think I’m ready to go."
Blue played in only five games last season, going for 129 yards and just one touchdown. 64 of those yards came in the last game of the season against the New York Giants. He played in four straight games starting from his debut in Week 5, but only had 22 carries and one reception for five yards during that stretch.
It seems clear that Blue wasn't ready in his rookie year and needed more development. That's why this offseason was huge for him to show he's capable of a bigger role in 2026. Both he and the Cowboys agree that he's greatly improved, and it will be interesting to see how his situation is going forward.
There were some honest conversations with head coach Brian Schottenheimer, and getting a full offseason under his belt is bound to help him a lot.
Blue, at just 5-foot-9 and 196 pounds, is a speedy back who ran a 4.38 40-yard dash. He can definitely be a difference maker who can make explosive plays on the ground.
The battle for the RB2 spot will come down to Blue, Malik Davis, or Phil Mafah. What could prove the difference in Blue's favor is his strong receiving ability. Blue racked up 368 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 42 receptions in his junior year with the Longhorns. That part of his game still needs to be unlocked with the Cowboys.
That would be a perfect complement to Williams. It will be important for Blue to take his positive offseason into games when the season starts. He can completely change the backfield.
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