Should Cowboys bring back Javonte Williams? Why it's an easy answer

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams has had the season the front office envisioned when they signed him as a free agent in the offseason.

Through 14 games, Williams has posted 1,113 yards and 10 touchdowns, both career-highs, and his ability to pick up tough yards has been a feature of his game. Not to mention his skills as a pass protector as well.

But Dallas and running backs aren't two things that mix well together in recent seasons, and with Williams on a one-year, $3 million deal this season, a pay rise will be forthcoming.

And for ESPN's Todd Archer, Williams should be a candidate for an extension in the offseason.

"We've talked about wide receiver George Pickens' future ad nauseam," Archer writes. Let's look at Williams instead. He has career highs in carries, rushing yards and touchdowns (10) this season. Do they think it's worth keeping Williams? They will likely set a price and not exceed their budget. And the franchise tag would not be an option because that seems destined for Pickens.”

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Will Cowboys keep Williams?

As is the case with nearly all of Dallas' signings, this will come down to money.

We saw Dallas' lack of desire to pay Rico Dowdle $6 million APY last offseason, and Javonte will be wanting at least that, Spotrac.com having his market value at $6.7 million APY.

A two or three-year deal at that price won't break the bank, and considering what Williams has brought to this offense, it does seem like a no-brainer to bring him back. Dallas just has to find a good backup.

The futures of several players will be worth watching this offseason, with Williams among them.

He's done everything asked of him, and if Dallas were to keep him around, that would be met rather favorably among Cowboys Nation.

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