Cowboys news: Javonte Williams on his near retirement before signing with Dallas

Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images | Getty Images The running game of the Dallas Cowboys has been a positive for them for the most part since the beginning of last season, but the addition of Javonte Williams nearly didn’t happen. Dallas is making a change when it comes to their green dot on defense, and the person assigned to it is only in his second season.

class="wp-block-paragraph">The Cowboys beat the Eagles on Monday night, and the film showed they accomplished it in several different ways. Also, a well-known pass rusher has been linked to Dallas as the trade deadline approaches.

Dallas Cowboys RB Javonte Williams Admits Contemplating Retirement Before ‘Rebirth’ – Mike Moraitis, SI.comJavonte Williams rejuvenated his career in 2025 with the Cowboys. However, it almost didn’t happen as he considered hanging up the cleats.

Williams entered the league as a second-round pick of the Denver Broncos in 2022, but after having success in his rookie campaign, Williams struggled with injury and ineffectiveness over his final three seasons in Denver.

class="wp-block-paragraph">He would eventually sign a prove-it deal with the Cowboys, but before that, Williams said he thought about retiring.

class="wp-block-paragraph">“I was really about to just hang up the cleats,” Williams said on the Downs 2 Business podcast.

The Dallas Cowboys made a major change to the defensive lineup and it’s here to stay, but the new starter has a lot to fix – Mauricio Rodriguez, AtoZ SportsLinebacker Shemar James is the new green dot on the Cowboys’ defense. With that said, he needs to improve in one particular area.

What the film shows from Shemar James

class="wp-block-paragraph">First things first, the positives. We’ve known James can move fast. He’s explosive, and he can look like a blur on film. You don’t really appreciate how fast he’s moving until you turn on the tape. He’s solid in coverage and appears to have a strong understanding of Christian Parker’s scheme.

class="wp-block-paragraph">But what stands out the most is that the Cowboys need him to be better in the hole. You need your middle linebacker coming forward and making plays.

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Tape Talk: Cowboys offense finds their rhythm, defense takes away big plays vs. Eagles – Tommy Yarrish, DallasCowboys.comDallas was able to get a much-needed win against Philadelphia on Monday night. They did so by playing competently on both sides of the ball.

Tip the cap to Dallas’ offensive line, tight ends

class="wp-block-paragraph">What shows up in the box score is the Cowboys running 38 times for 204 yards, led by Javonte Williams’ career-best 155 yard day. What really pops when you watch the tape back is how well the offensive line and tight ends blocked Philadelphia’s front, their best rushing performance up front all season.

class="wp-block-paragraph">The Eagles’ offense was banged up, but their defense still had their stars like Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis and Zack Baun playing. The Cowboys were able to get consistent push over the course of the night, and Williams was not tackled behind the line of scrimmage once in the game because of how well the front blocked for him.

Cowboys stopped making the same Jake Ferguson mistake (and it paid off) – Jason Kandel, The Landry HatJake Ferguson has had his struggles in 2026. As a result, the Cowboys are looking for other answers at tight end.

After he tipped the game-losing interception right to Alex Anzalone in the loss to the Bucs, Cowboys fans have been waiting for Brian Schottenheimer to see the light and move Ferguson more to the shadows in favor of Spann-Ford, who is a better run blocker, costs less, and isn’t much worse as a pass-catcher.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Ferguson’s route participation has been down in each of the last two weeks, and it was this week that it paid off. The offense exploded in a game where Ferguson’s drops or fumbles did not have an impact, and while it was against an Eagles defense that has struggled, early returns are encouraging.

Dallas Cowboys Trade Rumor Tracker: Latest News & Buzz Entering NFL Trade Deadline – Josh Sanchez, SI.comThe Cowboys need help rushing the passer. Veteran edge rusher Josh Sweat has been continously linked to them as of late.

Josh Sweat, EDGE, Arizona Cardinals

class="wp-block-paragraph">The buzz linking Dallas and Sweat has grown leaps and bounds in recent weeks, and it’s a deal that makes a lot of sense for both sides. The Cardinals appear poised to enter a complete rebuild after trading away star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., and Sweat is a veteran piece who can land a solid return.

class="wp-block-paragraph">In Dallas, Sweat would return to a division that he is familiar with thanks to his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, and he would also be joining a unit led by Christian Parker, who was on the staff in Philly during Sweat’s tenure.