The Dallas Cowboys have work to do this offseason to create a roster that's talented enough to make the postseason. A big point of emphasis will be on the defensive side of the ball; however, the Cowboys still have some questions to answer around the offense.
Running back Javonte Williams is set to hit free agency in March, and so is former Dallas running back Rico Dowdle. With the Panthers eliminated from the postseason, Dowdle was asked about his future in Carolina ahead of free agency and added fuel that his time with the Panthers could be coming to an end.
His decrease of carries down the stretch will impact his decision and Dowdle didn't hold back on that.
"(Getting more touches) definitely is a factor. There's options for me. I just want to be a guy who can go out there and just get the bulk [of the carries],'' Dowdle said over the weekend, via ESPN. With his future up in the air, as well as Williams', the Cowboys must consider a reunion with their former running back.
Rico Dowdle Return to Cowboys Should Be on the Table
On Jan. 7, Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones revealed the team has been in talks with Williams' representation and seeks to sign him to a multi-year deal, according to Cowboys insider Nick Harris. While that's likely a priority for this team after Williams finished career-highs in rushing yards (1,201) and rushing touchdowns (11), until things are official, it's all speculation.
After all, no one would blame Williams if he wanted to test the market after a career year. Spotrac is projecting that the Cowboys will be more than $32.1 million north of the salary cap, so it's easy to see how the veteran rusher might become too expensive to bring back.
Dallas decided to let Dowdle walk after four seasons with the team, and he looked poised to be the RB1 in Carolina. The 27-year-old started in 11 games for the Panthers and was a productive playmaker for them, where he was the bellcow for multiple weeks when Chubba Hubbard was sidelined with an injury.
Dowdle had eight games with at least 15 carries this season, but over the final three games of the season, he logged 12 or fewer rushes. It was a step back from the usage he expected to have, especially during the playoff push. Instead, they went back to Hubbard as the lead back, despite being less effective.
Carolina invested in Hubbard by giving him a four-year, $33.2 million extension in November 2024, so it makes sense why they went back to him. Dowdle was on a one-year deal and slated to hit free agency.
Although Williams is Dallas' priority, they should keep the door open on Dowdle. The South Carolina product has tallied back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing yards, including a whopping 183 rushing yards against the Cowboys in Week 6.
Dowdle had success with the Cowboys in 2024, and with nothing locked in with Williams yet, the idea of Dowdle coming back to Dallas has to be enticing at the very least. Someone will give him a chance to be RB1. Whether or not that happens in Dallas remains to be seen.