Locked On Cowboys: Cowboys Squad Show — The Cowboys Are Bringing Back RB Javonte Williams

Date: February 24, 2026
Hosts: Marcus Mosher, Landon McCool, Jeff Biggs, Aisha Morrison, Glenn 'Stretch' Smith

Episode Overview

This episode of the Locked On Cowboys “Cowboys Squad Show” zeroes in on the Cowboys’ decision to re-sign running back Javonte Williams to a three-year, $24 million contract with $16 million guaranteed. The hosts debate the fairness and impact of the deal, how it fits into the Cowboys’ broader roster-building and salary cap plans, and what it means for both the running back room and the team’s approach to other key free agents like George Pickens. The second half dives into looming defensive roster decisions, upcoming NFL Combine storylines, and favorite draft prospects.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Javonte Williams’ New Contract: Details and Reactions

• Deal Structure:

  • 3 years, $24 million ($16M guaranteed, $8M signing bonus).
  • Makes Williams the 15th or 16th highest paid RB in the league, fitting his production level.
  • [04:31] Marcus Mosher: “The $16 million guaranteed over three years…puts him at like the 15th or 16th running highest paid running back in the league, which I don’t think is far off from where he’s produced over the last couple years.”

• Market Value & Motivations:

  • Williams likely wanted security; RBs rarely get big free agency money.
  • Cowboys avoid another roster hole and keep continuity on a young back.
  • [03:39] Marcus Mosher: “Javonte probably wanted to get it done more…running backs just don’t get paid that much…Rather than risk going out and getting another million or two in free agency, he decided to stay in Dallas in a situation where he was going to get a bunch of touches.”
  • [04:24] Aisha Morrison: “I thought it was a bit fair just given where the market is... he busted his ass, got here from that ACL. There were doubts…but he showed up.”

• Contract Critiques:

  • Some see it as a slight overpay, but not outrageous.
  • Better than having to take a risk in the draft or free agent pool.
  • [07:14] Marcus Mosher: “When you’re paying a quarterback $60 million…every decision you make is under the microscope…Is it really wise to continue to invest this much money into offense?”

• On-Field Fit:

  • Williams is a scheme fit, excels in pass protection, and is a locker room leader.
  • Not the explosive home-run threat but dependable for “dirty yards.”
  • [05:50] Glenn 'Stretch' Smith: “He understands protections. He knows what to do…Do I wish they could have got him on a two year, $15 million deal? Yeah. But…he fits with where you’re at.”

2. Impact on Team Building, Cap Flexibility & Offensive Philosophy

• Running Back Value vs. Other Needs:

  • The group debates spending on RBs vs. going cheap and picking up “prove it” deals or trying to find explosiveness elsewhere.
  • Importance of keeping Dak Prescott upright drives value of RBs who can protect.
  • [11:06] Glenn ‘Stretch’ Smith: “You talking about a $60 million quarterback, and neither one of those guys can protect worth a damn…Now the first time one of them cheap guys cuts one of these linebackers loose on your quarterback, then what are you going to get on here and say?”

• Need for a Complementary Back:

  • Williams isn’t the explosive type; they need a “number two” who can add big-play ability and stay fresh.
  • [15:04] Jeff Biggs: “They need to have somebody they count on that can come in and keep the offense positive and not have a big gap.”
  • [16:42] Marcus Mosher: “My guess is they bring in another veteran running back, whether it is Pacheco or…Kenny Gainwell…because they cannot go into the year with Jaden Blue and Phil Mafa as the primary backups.”

3. Franchise Tagging George Pickens: Approach and Agent Drama

• Tag Decision & Negotiation Stance:

  • Team is expected to franchise tag George Pickens while continuing (or beginning) talks on a long-term deal.
  • [19:21] Jeff Biggs: “Steve and Jones saying that the plan is to tag Pickens within the week... They want to sign him long term.”

• The Agent Factor:

  • David Mulaguetta, Pickens’ agent, has a reputation as a tough negotiator.
  • Cowboys prefer to let the agent make the first move—reluctant to “marry” Pickens yet.
  • [22:43] Aisha Morrison: “Sounds like they haven’t really talked. From my knowledge, there hasn’t been a lot of talk. So the franchise tag is…to your point, them talk[ing], starting to talk.”
  • [23:01] Marcus Mosher: “I think Pickens is a player they want to continue to date. I’m not sure they’re ready to marry him yet…I think they’re good having him play another year in the franchise tag.”

• Risks of the Wait-and-See:

  • If Pickens has another great year, price could spike even higher than the current market.
  • [31:56] Marcus Mosher: “Let’s say he has a 1200 yard season and 10 touchdowns…[he could get] 41 or 42 million dollars a year and being the league’s highest paid receiver because he would only be 25…”

• Team-Building vs. Agent Relations:

  • Debates on whether agent relationships should impact football decisions.
  • [25:25] Aisha Morrison: “This is the business...All of these players…have agents. The Cowboys have been dealing with agents for years. What is this: ‘We’re waiting for them to call’…?”

4. Defensive Cuts, Cap Space, & Combine/Free Agency Plans

• Upcoming Defensive Cuts & Restructures:

  • LB Logan Wilson already cut; more could be coming, especially on the defensive edge.
  • Kenny Clark’s $22M non-guaranteed deal cited as a key contract to manage for cap relief.
  • [37:45] Marcus Mosher: “The big one that they’ve got to figure out is this Kenny Clark contract…either restructure…give him a new contract or cut him.”

• Who Stays, Who Goes?

  • Sam Williams likely gone; Dante Fowler possible but a matter of fit and youth movement on D-line.
  • [39:41] Marcus Mosher: “I would be shocked if Sam Williams is back next year.”
  • Safety room will need replenishing; multiple key members could be free agents or cap casualties.

• Agent Web:

  • David Mulaguetta represents a surprising number of key free agents and targets—“Does this man have all the infinity stones?” joked Aisha Morrison. [40:53]

5. The Kicker Debate: “Can a Kicker Be Too Good?”

• Brandon Aubrey’s Future:

  • Aubrey, a restricted free agent, was a standout but makes play-calling more conservative.
  • [45:02] Marcus Mosher: “Brandon Aubrey is awesome…He ends up making [OC] Brian Schottenheimer be too conservative and settling for more field goals.”

• Would You Take a Second-Rounder for a Kicker?

  • [48:14] Marcus Mosher: “If a team offered you a second round pick for Brandon Aubrey, would you take it?”
  • [48:22] Glenn ‘Stretch’ Smith: “Yeah, hell yeah.”
  • Sparks debate: Can you really “replace” a kicker that good? Is reliability at kicker overrated?
  • Jeff Biggs argues Aubrey is a “true weapon,” but co-hosts open to moving on for the right price.

6. NFL Combine: What Matters Most?

• Critical Focus:

  • Measurements (height, weight, arm length) and athletic testing matter most—particularly for corners, O-linemen, and pass rushers.
  • [54:07] Marcus Mosher: “Getting verified measurements on all these players…it matters…This is not to say go draft the biggest and fastest guys, but you want to see guys check boxes. That’s why this week is so valuable.”

• Medicals & Interviews:

  • Underrated but crucial: catching medical red flags, “eliminating” rather than “anointing” prospects.
  • [57:57] Marcus Mosher: “You can never go into an interview and think ‘this guy’s going to be an All Pro’…but you just know, like, hey, this is not going to work out.”
  • [59:33] Aisha Morrison: “Some of these team doctors…we might have little bits and pieces of like what’s going on with a guy, but…we’re gonna find out what’s really going on.”

• Draft Prospects on Cowboys’ Radar:

  • [51:27] Marcus Mosher: “A guy called Dylan Thieman from Oregon…He’s a slot corner, he’s a free safety, he’s a box safety.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Pass Protection vs. Explosiveness:
  • [11:13] Glenn ‘Stretch’ Smith: “You talking about a $60 million quarterback and neither one of those guys can protect worth a damn and you’re talking about a $60 million quarterback. Now the first time, the first time one of them cheap guys cuts one of these linebackers loose on your quarterback, then what are you going to get on here and say?”
• On Agent Drama:
  • [40:53] Aisha Morrison: “Does this man have all the infinity stones? Is this Thanos? He’s everywhere.”
• On Franchise Tag Philosophy:
  • [23:01] Marcus Mosher: “I think they are totally comfortable letting him play in the franchise tag. And if that means him not being part of off-season workouts, I think they’re fine with that as well.”
• On Combine Interviews:
  • [56:18] Glenn 'Stretch' Smith: “I want some guys that don’t think the Kentucky Derby’s a hat.”
• On the Kicker’s Influence:
  • [45:02] Marcus Mosher: “I think he’s too good. And I know that sounds wild, but he ends up making Brian Schottenheimer be too conservative and settling for more field goals… I like it when teams are aggressive and he’s almost too good.”

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [03:39] — Breaking down Javonte Williams’ 3-year deal and reaction
• [11:06] — Pass protection vs. explosiveness in RB value
• [15:42] — The need for an explosive #2 back
• [19:21] — Introduction of George Pickens franchise tag issue
• [22:43] — Cowboys’ approach to agent negotiations and franchise tag
• [25:25] — Aisha on agent relationships and team-building attitude
• [31:56] — What happens if Pickens has a huge season under the tag?
• [37:45] — Defensive cuts: Kenny Clark contract, edge rusher shakeup
• [45:02] — The “kicker debate” and impact on play calling/philosophy
• [51:27] — Marcus’ top draft prospect pick
• [54:07] — What really matters at the Combine
• [59:33] — Importance and impact of Combine medicals

Tone and Chemistry

• Spirited, insight-packed arguing—especially between Marcus and Stretch on RB value and kicker philosophy.
• Aisha brings detailed scouting and a big-picture lens on team dynamics and player evaluation.
• Running jokes about tricky agents (“infinity stones,” “Thanos”) and front office gamesmanship.
• Nostalgic, behind-the-scenes NFL stories from Stretch and Marcus.

Conclusion

This episode offers an in-depth, no-spin Cowboys roster breakdown, candid debate on the RB market, real talk on the Pickens contract drama, and a preview of what to watch at the NFL Combine. The hosts combine insider perspective with fan passion, providing context-rich analysis of the biggest Cowboys decisions in a crucial offseason.

For a more detailed dive into the NFL Draft and Cowboy targets, check out upcoming Lockdown Cowboys shows with Marcus and Landon, along with Aisha’s work on The Stack with Brian Broaddus.