Productive Cowboy Advised That Leaving Dallas is 'Ideal'

All eyes are on the Dallas Cowboys with just two months to go before the 2025 NFL free agency period opens.

It's going to be interesting to see how the Brian Schottenheimer-led Cowboys navigate free agency in March. Not only does owner/general manager Jerry Jones need to address several pressing needs after Dallas went 7-10, but he must also make decisions on key pending free agents, including running back Rico Dowdle.

The veteran rusher is set for a major pay raise after a career performance in 2024. Considering how the Cowboys are projected to be nearly $1 million over the salary cap, per Spotrac, there's a chance that America's Team could choose not to re-sign Dowdle if he demands too much money.

If that's the case, one NFL analyst already has an "ideal" landing spot for the 26-year-old runner.

Cowboys Rumors: Broncos Projected to Sign RB Rico Dowdle

On Monday, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox projected that Dowdle's next contract could pay him similar to James Conner. The Arizona Cardinals RB signed a two-year extension worth $9.5 million annually in November, which is a number that'd be too expensive for the cash-strapped Cowboys.

That's why Knox wouldn't be shocked if Dowdle signs with the Denver Broncos, who have $39.8 million to spend.

"The Broncos, however, should be willing to invest in a starting-caliber back in 2025," Knox wrote. "Denver found its quarterback in (Bo) Nix but ranked just 21st in yards per carry as a team."

The Broncos are already rostering four running backs but that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime only combined for 806 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 189 carries last season while Blake Watson and Tyler Badie only saw 15 carries between them.

Meanwhile, Dowdle outperformed the Broncos' RB room in what was a breakout performance in 2024. Despite beginning the year competing against the lethargic Ezekiel Elliott for touches, the ex-South Carolina Gamecock finished the year with career highs in carries (235), rushing yards (1,079), yards per carry (4.6), and total touchdowns (5).

That's without mentioning how Dowdle averaged an impressive 98.5 rushing yards in the final six games to end the season, proving that he only improved as the schedule progressed.

Unless Dowdle is willing to take a major discount or Jones works some financial magic, the Cowboys will likely need to find a new starting RB at some point this offseason. On top of the Broncos, Knox also listed the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers as other potential destinations for Dowdle.

It won't be much longer before Cowboys fans learn about Dowdle's fate. All 32 NFL franchises are permitted to talk with pending unrestricted free agents on Monday, March 10 before free agency officially begins two days later.

More Dallas Cowboys News and Rumors: