The Dallas Cowboys aren’t letting their ground game walk out the door. Before the free agency frenzy could even begin, Dallas secured running back Javonte Williams on a three-year, $24 million contract that includes $16 million guaranteed.

After a career-best 2025 season, the Cowboys made sure Williams never sniffed the open market.

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Smart move.

Williams was a force in his first year in Dallas, rushing for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns on 252 carries — all personal bests. He wasn’t just a between-the-tackles bruiser either. Williams added 35 receptions for 137 yards and two more scores, becoming a reliable outlet for quarterback Dak Prescott when plays broke down.

For a team that has leaned heavily on offensive balance, keeping that production intact was priority No. 1.

Now the spotlight shifts.

Wide receiver George Pickens is the next domino. In his first season with the Cowboys, Pickens exploded for 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, leading the team in both categories. After a year like that, he’ll be looking for elite wideout money.

That’s where things get tricky.

CeeDee Lamb is already locked in on a four-year, $136 million deal with $100 million guaranteed. Can Dallas justify another massive contract at the position? If negotiations stall, the franchise tag — projected around $28 million for 2026 — becomes a real possibility.

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For now, though, Jerry Jones and Stephen Jones can breathe a little easier. They’ve secured their top running back and stabilized one major piece of the offense before the March 9 legal tampering window opens.

The Cowboys wanted continuity. They got it.