BREAKING: The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly facing the “terrible news” that breakout star Javonte Williams may be pricing himself out of the Metroplex. Despite a career-defining 1,201-yard season, a new prediction has the 25-year-old “bellcow” bolting for the Arizona Cardinals as the Cowboys navigate a brutal salary cap crisis.
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The Dallas Cowboys are staring down a tough 2026 offseason after a 7-9-1 season that saw them miss the playoffs despite one of the league’s most explosive offenses.
Dallas leaned heavily on the emergence of running back Javonte Williams—but a new prediction suggests the team could lose their key rusher to a fellow NFC squad amid severe salary cap issues.
Dec 21, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer reacts to a play against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Cowboys Predicted to Lose Breakout RB Javonte Williams to Struggling NFC Team in Free Agency
According to an Athlon Sports article published February 12, 2026, Williams is projected to sign with the Arizona Cardinals in free agency. Fox Sports analyst Greg Auman (in his top-100 free agents list) made the call, noting Arizona’s dire need for a rushing upgrade after ranking 31st in rushing yards per game (93.1) and finishing 3-14 last season.
Why the Cardinals Make Sense as a Landing Spot
Auman wrote:“He went to Dallas on a one-year, $3 million deal, but could get double that this time around, with good pass-catching abilities, averaging 38 receptions per season.”
The Cardinals boast a healthy cap space heading into free agency (starting March 11, 2026), giving them the flexibility to pursue Williams aggressively. Adding a proven bellcow like him could transform their ground game and provide quarterback support in a rebuilding effort.
Williams’ projected market value sits around a three-year, $22 million deal per Spotrac, with annual averages in the $7-9 million range based on other reports. His dual-threat profile (rushing + receiving) makes him appealing to teams needing backfield stability.
Williams’ Stellar 2025 Season with Dallas
Williams, who joined the Cowboys on a prove-it one-year, $3 million contract after his Denver Broncos tenure, delivered a career-best campaign:
His performance anchored an offense that thrived despite the team’s overall struggles, marking his first 1,000-yard season and showcasing regained explosiveness post-injury.
Why the Cowboys Might Not Re-Sign Him
Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) runs against Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) and linebacker Eric Wilson (55) during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Dallas enters the offseason $31.5 million over the cap, per Spotrac, forcing tough decisions on priorities. Williams isn’t viewed as the top target—wide receiver George Pickens (also a pending free agent) ranks higher on the re-sign list. Without an extension, Williams hits unrestricted free agency, and cap constraints could lead to a “fourth leading rusher in four seasons” for Dallas in 2026, as Auman warned.
Some analysts (e.g., from Blogging The Boys and A to Z Sports) argue the Cowboys should prioritize bringing him back for continuity, calling it a “no-brainer” given the thin RB draft class and his reliability. Others see the financial reality pushing him out, with potential replacements via free agency or the draft.
This prediction fits into broader Cowboys offseason challenges: retooling around core pieces while shedding salary. For Arizona, landing Williams would be a splash move to address a glaring weakness. Free agency kicks off soon—will Dallas find a way to retain their breakout back, or will the Cardinals poach him?