Heading into the 2026 offseason, one of the clear question marks for the Dallas Cowboys was what the rushing attack would look like moving forward. Javonte Williams was slated to hit free agency after rushing for 1,201 yards with 11 touchdowns. This opened the clear possibility that another team would overpay and the Cowboys would be forced to lean on their depth.
Instead, Dallas re-signed Williams to a three-year deal worth $24 million, sending a clear message to the depth pieces on the roster. This includes Phil Mafah, who is coming off an injury-shortened season and offered only 18 rushing yards on five attempts. Bringing back Williams creates an uphill battle for Mafah to make the roster and leaves a very clear possibility that the rusher begins the season on the practice squad or playing for a new team entirely.
Williams is obviously safe, leading us to look at Malik Davis, who should be expected to be the primary backup after rushing for 250 yards on 4.8 yards per carry in the 2025 season. This leaves Mafah, Jaydon Blue, and Israel Abanikanda competing for the final roster spot at the position.
Even if the Cowboys opt to carry four backs on the active roster, this leaves Mafah fighting for one of those spots with the five backs currently rostered. This is before a draft class that could see another addition due to recent injury history and the clear question marks around each of these depth options.
Cowboys' Offseason Leaves Phil Mafah Fighting for Final Roster Spot
Mafah isn't helped by the fact that he was the 239th overall pick in the 2025 draft, leaving little investment from Dallas. This only further points to the fact that Mafah is going to be heading into a heated camp battle with a trio of backup options fighting to not be the odd man out of the equation.
For Dallas, this is an ideal battle that should help give the team the best possible options on the depth chart. This is after recent frustration over the lack of production at the position before Williams seized control of the job. Now, not only do the Cowboys have a great starting option, but a clear backup and a trio of interesting prospects fighting for the final role.
As brutal as this might be for Mafah, it is great for the team and gives the fanbase an entertaining battle to watch throughout camp and the preseason. At the very least, Mafah's physicality offers the rusher a chance to flash in camp and into the preseason and lock up a roster spot. One that appeared far more likely before the team's reunion with Williams, and the decision to bring in additional depth in Abanikanda. No question, Mafah will be forced to fight for a spot and will be a part of one of the team's most entertaining camp battles.
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