Cowboys speedster enters year two with something to prove as RB2 spot opens up

The Dallas Cowboys have a clear opening behind star starter Javonte Williams, and sophomore rusher Jaydon Blue is chasing the role aggressively this summer.

Dallas completely avoided adding a veteran running back in free agency and did not spend a single draft pick on the position this spring. This quiet offseason is a massive vote of confidence from the front office, signaling the team believes Blue is ready to fully seize the primary RB2 job behind Williams.

That leaves Blue battling fifth-year veteran Malik Davis and fellow second-year back Phil Mafah for touches. They will all spell Williams, who just posted a magnificent career year. Williams finished the 2025 season with 1,201 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, becoming the first Dallas running back to top the 1,200-yard mark since Ezekiel Elliott’s 1,357-yard campaign back in 2019.

Blue’s rookie year was disappointing. The Texas Longhorns product ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at the 2025 Combine but played in only five games, finishing with 129 rushing yards. He spent most of the season on the bench because Williams was productive and coaches publicly questioned Blue's work ethic and maturity.

However, he showed his potential in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the New York Giants by logging a season-high 16 carries for 64 yards and scoring his first career touchdown.

According to Blue, those rookie struggles are behind him as he claimed, "I think I made a whole 180 from where I was last year. I've gotten a lot better… I'm ready to go." He didn't dodge the rookie-year issues either, admitting "I didn't start off like I should've."

The team is buying it. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said they had a blunt talk after the season, and Blue came back to work with a great attitude. Dak Prescott also pointed out that Blue is listening more and has the kind of speed that changes games.

Sports Illustrated’s Randy Gurzi wrote, “He's done well in OTAs and minicamp, but now must prove he's capable of stacking good days as he aims to lock up the RB2 job.”

So, he still has to earn the job, though. Malik Davis is a reliable veteran who averaged 4.8 yards per carry last year and has playoff experience. The backup spot belongs to Blue for now, but the actual battle starts at training camp in Oxnard.

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