The Dallas Cowboys are my lone rooting interest, whereas I actually care if they win or lose. It has been quite some time since I worried about the Penguins or Pirates, and I moved away from the NBA when the SuperSonics moved from Seattle and became the Thunder. Still, I want to challenge my crippling fear of heights with a visit to the Emerald City’s Space Needle.

Anyway, the latest news on the Cowboys are the contracts of running back Javonte Williams and kicker Brandon Aubrey.

JAVONTE WILLIAMS

Williams was quietly — as much as news about the Cowboys can be quiet — reupped for three years, $24 million with $16 million guaranteed. I can’t speak much about the salary cap because of my limited knowledge and unwillingness to dive into that rabbit hole.

I know it matters.

What matters more are the particulars of the player:

— His age. Williams didn’t turn 21 until three weeks after being drafted by the Broncos in 2021.

— His steady rebound from a major knee injury in 2022. At the start of the second year of his four-year rookie contract, Williams tore his ACL, LCL, and posterolateral corner (I could Google that but it’s enough to know that it’s not good) yet set career highs in receptions and receiving yards. I thought then, and I think now, that the Broncos gave up on him too early. Again, I’m not privy on NFL contracts, but his second deal surely would have been team-friendly considering his injury.

— He’s not a fumbler. With 764 touches (606 carries, 158 receptions) in four years in Denver, he had six fumbles. He lost one of two fumbles this season.

— His improved blocking in 2024 got him on the field even when he wasn’t getting the ball.

— In 2025, he had career highs in games played (16), attempts (252), yards (1,201), average per carry (4.8), long run (66 yards), and touchdowns (11).

— This secures the running back position entering the draft.

BRANDON AUBREY

— Seeing the potential of the NFL’s first 70-yard field goal and knowing it could come from the leg of the Cowboys kicker is an exciting thought but it’s not worth $10 million a year.

It appears most professional athletes give agents carte blanche to handle negotiations. I hope that is the case with Aubrey, because there’s never been an NFL kicker worth that much money. Harrison Butker is the highest-paid kicker in the NFL at $6.4 million per year from a contract signed in 2024. That makes the Cowboys’ $7.5 million offer more than fair.

I don’t see the Cowboys buckling to the demands of agent Todd France, who also represents Dak Prescott. Aubrey’s work ethic and desire to perform well aligns with guys like Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. I just don’t think a kicker is worth $10 million per year.