The Dallas Cowboys face a critical decision in shaping their running back roster for the 2025 NFL season. With the emergence of lightning-fast rookie Jaydon Blue and a crowded backfield of new faces, veteran Javonte Williams is at risk of being cut, despite signing a one-year, $3 million contract in the offseason. Can Blue’s explosive speed overshadow Williams and usher in a new era for the Cowboys’ ground game?
A Fierce Battle in the Backfield
Following a disappointing 2024 season with a 7-10 record and an average of just 4.0 yards per carry, the Cowboys aggressively retooled their running back room. The team parted ways with Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle while bringing in two experienced veterans, Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, alongside two promising rookies from the 2025 NFL Draft: Jaydon Blue (fifth round) and Phil Mafah (seventh round). Additionally, Deuce Vaughn is fighting to prove his worth. This crowded roster has sparked an intense competition for roster spots, with no one guaranteed a starting role.
Javonte Williams, once a standout at the Denver Broncos with 2,394 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns over 54 games, joined the Cowboys hoping to recapture his peak form. However, his recent performance has been underwhelming. In his last season with the Broncos, Williams averaged just 3.7 yards per carry—a modest figure compared to expectations. A severe ACL injury in 2022 appears to have sapped some of his explosiveness, prompting the Cowboys to question whether he still deserves a spot in the starting lineup.
Meanwhile, Jaydon Blue, a rookie from the University of Texas, is quickly turning heads. With a 4.25-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, Blue boasts rare “lightning” speed, paired with agility and excellent receiving skills. In his final two seasons at Texas, Blue amassed 1,631 yards and 18 touchdowns, averaging 6.4 yards per touch. His ability to break off big plays is exactly what the Cowboys’ offense needs to revitalize its struggling ground attack.
Blue’s Speed: A Game-Changing Weapon
Jaydon Blue’s arrival brings not just speed but also versatility, aligning perfectly with head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s offensive scheme. Blue isn’t just a runner; he’s a dangerous weapon in the passing game. College stats show he recorded 56 receptions over his last two seasons, with 365 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2024 alone. This dual-threat ability makes Blue a potential “X-factor” in diverse offensive situations, especially when paired with the Cowboys’ talented quarterback, Dak Prescott.
In contrast, Javonte Williams, while still valued for his physicality and short-yardage running, lacks the explosiveness needed for game-changing plays. His expected role is that of a “workhorse” back—wearing down defenses to set up opportunities for teammates like Blue. However, with a $3 million salary and inconsistent production, the Cowboys could save up to $2 million in cap space by cutting Williams before the season, as noted by Bleacher Report analyst Kristopher Knox.
Strategic Choice: Experience vs. Potential
The decision to keep Williams or bet on Blue reflects a broader strategic dilemma for the Cowboys: balancing veteran experience with youthful potential. Williams offers stability and pass-protection skills, a critical component of Schottenheimer’s system. However, the NFL is a results-driven league, and individual performance is paramount. If Williams fails to impress during preseason training camp, he risks being overtaken by Blue or even Phil Mafah, another powerful rookie.
Phil Mafah, with his “smashmouth” style and knack for scoring in short-yardage situations (21 touchdowns over two seasons at Clemson), complements Blue’s skill set. The rookie duo has been dubbed “thunder and lightning”—Mafah as the power and Blue as the speed. Meanwhile, Miles Sanders, another veteran with experience from the Philadelphia Eagles and Carolina Panthers, is also vying for a starting role. The diversity in playing styles among the running backs creates an exciting competition but heaps pressure on Williams to prove his worth.
The Cowboys’ Future: A New Era?
The Cowboys’ selection of Blue in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft was no accident. The team patiently waited to secure a talent capable of shifting the tide, rather than rushing to draft running backs in earlier rounds. An improved offensive line, featuring players like Tyler Booker, is expected to create ideal running lanes for Blue to exploit his speed. Under the guidance of offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, known for creative blocking schemes, Blue could become the centerpiece of a running game revolution in Dallas.
For Javonte Williams, his journey is a stark reminder of the NFL’s harsh realities. Once one of the league’s most dynamic running backs, with 47 forced missed tackles in his final college season, Williams now faces a battle to secure his roster spot. His time with the Cowboys is not just a chance to reclaim his former glory but a test to prove he remains a vital asset.
Conclusion
As training camp and preseason games approach, all eyes will be on the Dallas Cowboys’ running back room. Jaydon Blue, with his electrifying speed and game-breaking potential, is emerging as a serious threat to Javonte Williams’ roster spot. Can Williams rediscover his form to hold his ground, or will Blue become the new star of the Cowboys’ offense? The answer will unfold on the field, but one thing is certain: this battle will be a focal point of the 2025 season.