When the Dallas Cowboys review their mistakes from the 2024 season, a major factor will be their decision to start the season with a two-headed approach in the backfield. The struggles of the entire offense impacted the running game early on, but Rico Dowdle quickly proved to be the team’s best option in the backfield.
Rico Dowdle wasn’t initially the focal point of the Cowboys’ rushing attack until the second half of the season. However, since taking on the role as the No. 1 option, he has only validated the team’s decision.
Next year, the Dallas Cowboys will need to settle on one lead back. They could consider re-signing Rico Dowdle, drafting Ashton Jeanty, or signing a more established name like Najee Harris.
Rico Dowdle, the fifth-year running back, has surpassed his career high in rushing yards in each of his last three starts, including a standout 149-yard performance on 25 carries against the Carolina Panthers. As the Cowboys continue their push to finish strong, Dowdle has been a key catalyst on offense with three 100-yard games in recent weeks.
Rico Dowdle is set to hit the free-agent market in the offseason, and several teams could be interested in bidding for his services. This leaves the Cowboys with a crucial decision to make regarding their backfield moving forward.
Currently, there is no clear future behind Rico Dowdle on the Cowboys’ roster. Ezekiel Elliott’s best days appear to be behind him, and Deuce Vaughn lacks the skillset to be the consistent back that the offense needs.
Dallas may look to the NFL Draft for their running back of the future, with Frisco native and Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty as a potential candidate. His strong connection to the Cowboys could make him an appealing choice to start for his hometown team next season.
Another potential avenue for the Cowboys is signing a free agent, a route they struggled with last offseason. Players like Najee Harris could be available, as suggested by Bleacher Report, but adding a back like Harris might be a costly, and possibly lateral, move compared to sticking with Dowdle.
The Cowboys’ final option is to simply re-sign Rico Dowdle, which, at the right price, could be the ideal solution. However, the front office has made it clear that they are focused on saving money, which could influence their decision.
In fairness to the Cowboys, overpaying for a running back would be a mistake, but they cannot afford to ignore the position either. Whether they decide to re-sign Dowdle or explore other options, making the right choice at running back will be crucial heading into next season.
