The Dallas Cowboys took a curious approach to the running back position over the offseason. After signing incumbent starter Javonte Williams to a three-year, $24 million contract, they largely sat pat. Options were available in free agency and the draft, but the Cowboys opted to stick with what they had, pinning much hope on development.
Jaydon Blue, the favorite from within, is the ideal complement to Williams’ offerings. Despite his lackluster rookie season, Blue still generates excitement within the fanbase. His speed, quickness and overall game-breaking ability are traits that can’t be taught. On paper, he’s everything Williams is not, and frankly, vice versa.
If Blue is the homerun threat, Williams is the on-base leader. Williams has a special feel for the game and patience in his runs. He sees blocks develop and navigates his way through traffic with ease. He doesn’t have breakaway speed, but he produces positive runs, posting a 45.63% success rate in Dallas last year, per Sumer Sports.
It may sound counterintuitive from a continuity point of view, but NFL rushing attacks typically like to employ diverse running backs. Defenses get used to one speed and style and can be thrown off when offenses mix in a different player with different speed and style. Sprinkling in a gamebreaker like Blue is ideal when a power player like Williams is atop the pairing.
The Dallas running game saw a resurgence in 2025, finishing No. 9 in rushing yards, No. 8 in EPA/rush and No. 7 in success rate. They did it largely behind an inside zone running attack. Inside zone runs accounted for 27.5% of all runs last season. They averaged 4.8 yards/carry and were generally the life blood of the running game. Outside zone was the second most used run scheme on the Cowboys, representing 21.1% of all runs and operating at a 4 yards/carry clip.
1st career touchdown for Cowboys rookie RB Jaydon Blue
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This matters because Blue is well-accustomed to inside and outside zone running schemes from his days back at Texas. It’s a system without much window dressing and something he should be able to jump right into. Then again, the same was said last year and Blue only managed 38 carries.
The falloff in proven talent behind Williams is significant. If the starter is lost for any extended period of time the Cowboys could be in big trouble. The natural impulse is to add a veteran but there’s a good chance Dallas is resisting the urge to invest too much in RB2 because they’re hoping Blue can claim the spot. He has something arguably no available running back offers and it brings the right amount of pizazz to Williams’ power.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys should hold on vet RB2 as Blue is perfect pair for Williams