The Dallas Cowboys have addressed their running back room on the first day of the NFL’s legal tampering window.

Dallas has agreed to a one-year deal with former Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams. The deal is for up to $3.5 million with incentives, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

A person close to the situation confirmed the deal to USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon. The person spoke on a condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of the matter.

Williams was one of multiple veteran running backs to hit the free agent market this offseason. He’s spent his entire career with the Broncos and shared the backfield last season with Jaleel McLaughlin and rookie Audric Estime.

Williams led the team with 139 carries and 513 rushing yards and tied for the team lead with four rushing touchdowns.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

With top runner Rico Dowdle hitting free agency as well, the Cowboys needed an upgrade at the position with 2023 sixth-round pick Deuce Vaughn the only player at the position on the active roster entering the offseason. Dallas had a league-low six rushing touchdowns in 2024.

Quarterback Dak Prescott‘s season-ending hamstring injury kept him out of the lineup for the second half of 2024 and the Cowboys finished 7-10. That led to a change at head coach with Brian Schottenheimer taking over for Mike McCarthy starting in 2025.

The Cowboys brought back their top pending free agent, defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, and this signing helps the team in the case Dowdle does not return. Williams provides Dallas with a former starter in the backfield regardless of how the draft or free agency shakes out.

USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon contributed to this story.