Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) carries the ball during an Organized Team Activity drill at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
After a disappointing finish to the 2025 season, the Dallas Cowboys are looking ahead to the new campaign.
Much of the focus this offseason has centered around the team’s defense, which could get a boost from new coordinator Christian Parker. The team also picked up some new names for the defensive unit, led by first-round draftees Christian Parker and Malachi Lawrence.
As the offseason moves forward and NFL teams prepare for training camp, we’re breaking down the Cowboys’ 2026 roster by position groups. Let’s take a look at Javonte Williams and the running backs:
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2026 Dallas Cowboys running backs
Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) scores on a 3 yard touchdown reception during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at AT&T Stadium on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, in Arlington.
Smiley N. Pool/Staff Photographer
Javonte Williams
Age: 26 NFL experience: 6 years
Contract: Signed a three-year, $24 million deal with the Cowboys this offseason.
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Summary: Williams should go into this season as the team’s lead back. He signed an extension this offseason that could keep him in Dallas for the next three years. He was one of the most productive running backs in the NFL in 2025, posting 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground.
Can Williams maintain his steady level of play with the Cowboys?
Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis (43) runs for a touchdown against Kansas City Chiefs in the first half of an NFL football game on Thanksgiving Day at AT&T Stadium, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, in Arlington.
Chitose Suzuki/Staff Photographer
Malik Davis
Age: 27 NFL experience: 3 years
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Contract: Entering Year 2 of a two-year, $2.1 million deal he signed with Dallas in 2025.
Summary: Davis was a pleasant surprise for the Cowboys as a backup option last year. He was signed to provide depth, but he found a way to give the offense a spark later in the campaign, finishing with 250 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Davis could be a veteran option to follow if the next two players don’t find their footing.
Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue (23) carries the ball during an Organized Team Activity drill at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Jaydon Blue
Age: 22 NFL experience: 2 years
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Contract: Entering Year 2 of his four-year, $4.6 million rookie deal.
Summary: The former Texas standout had a slow start to his rookie season, but showed promise at the end. He ran for 64 yards and a touchdown in a Week 18 meeting with the New York Giants. Blue finished his first season in Dallas with 129 rushing yards.
The Cowboys are looking for the speedster to take another step forward, especially if Williams has to battle any injuries in 2026.
Dallas Cowboys running back Phil Mafah (37) waits his turn to carry the ball during a mini-camp practice at The Star in Frisco, June 16, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Phil Mafah
Age: 23 NFL experience: 2 years
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Contract: Entering Year 2 of his four-year, $4.3 million rookie deal.
Summary: Like Blue, Mafah showed some promise in his rookie season with the Cowboys. Mafah is more of a power runner who can muscle his way through tackles. His 2025 season was cut short by a shoulder injury, but he returned to the field in Week 18 and ran for a touchdown.
Could Mafah handle more of the rushing load if his responsibilities grow in the new campaign?
New York Jets’ Israel Abanikanda smiles after scoring a touchdown during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Giants, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
Pamela Smith/AP
Israel Abanikanda
Age: 23 NFL experience: 3 years
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Contract: Signed a two-year, $2.2 million reserve/future contract with Dallas this offseason.
Summary: Abanikanda was on Dallas’ practice squad to close out the 2025 season. He’s back in Dallas on a reserve/future deal, and he’ll look to make some noise throughout training camp and the preseason.
Dallas Cowboys running back Dominic Richardson (left) takes part in a drill during rookie minicamp at the Star in Frisco, on Friday, May 1, 2026.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Dominic Richardson
Age: 25 NFL experience: Rookie
Contract: Signed a three-year, $3.1 million deal with Dallas as an undrafted rookie free agent this offseason.
Summary: Richardson landed in Dallas as an undrafted free agent out of Tulsa. He had a productive finish to his college career, posting 1,065 yards on the ground in 2025. Like Abanikanda, he’ll look to make the most out of his reps in camp.