This offseason is important for the Minnesota Vikings. Even though they had a winning record in 2025, there are many tough decisions that will need to be made before the team is ready for the 2026 NFL season.
One area that could be interesting for Vikings fans to watch is the running back position. With the team struggling with salary cap space and possibly multiple changes on offense likely coming, the security of guys like Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason is questionable at best.
Jones is a candidate to be a salary cap casualty who could be replaced in the upcoming draft, and Mason might not be a great fit for the team. That means the purple and gold will be looking out for a running back this offseason.
One potential free agent running back who would have been a good fit for the Minnesota Vikings is off the market.
On Saturday, NFL.com and NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport shared in a post on X that the Dallas Cowboys have agreed to terms on a contract extension with running back Javonte Williams to keep him in the NFC East.
The #Cowboys and standout RB Javonte Williams have agreed to terms on a 3-year deal worth $24M, sources say. Dallas keeps a big-time player.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 21, 2026
He gets his $8M per year after a breakout season in a deal was done by @AgentNicoleLynn of @KlutchSports. pic.twitter.com/xHTcWxl4VF
The deal is reported to be for three years and is worth approximately $8 million per year. That is likely more than Minnesota would like to spend on the position, but Williams would have been a great fit with what the Vikings like to do on offense.
Williams carried the ball 252 times for the Cowboys last season, gaining 1,201 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns. He was also a threat as a receiver, catching 35 passes for 137 yards and two more scores.
It will be interesting to see how aggressive the Vikings will be when it comes to the running back position this offseason. If a top prospect falls to them during the 2026 NFL Draft, it would be difficult for them to pass up the opportunity to select a great young talent.
On the other hand, spending some money in free agency would make securing the running back position less of a gamble while using more cap space instead of addressing needs elsewhere this offseason.
With Javonte Williams off the market, one of the top running backs is now unavailable for the Minnesota Vikings. The 25-year-old may not be a Pro Bowl or All-Pro rusher, but he should be a major contributor for his team for many years to come.