One of the Dallas Cowboys‘ most pressing needs this offseason will undoubtedly be their inability to run the football consistently. It’s a situation the team has been grappling with for some time, but they may already have a potential solution in-house—Rico Dowdle.
While many fans may dream of the Cowboys using their first-round pick to draft Boise State standout Ashton Jeanty, the more prudent course of action could be to re-sign Dowdle and focus that valuable pick elsewhere. FanSided’s Rucker Haringey made the case that the Cowboys should pass on Jeanty and bring back Dowdle instead, and it’s an argument worth considering.
Jeanty is a dynamic talent and a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate, which means he will be one of the most sought-after running backs in the upcoming draft. His potential to be a franchise-altering player is evident. However, the Cowboys may find better value in choosing a different need with their first-round pick and turning to their own roster for running back help.
Haringey pointed out the economics of the situation: “Some Cowboys fans might fantasize about the team spending a first-round pick on Boise State star Ashton Jeanty, but the more prudent course of action would be to invest less money in the running back position.” Given the high price tags that first-round running backs typically command, it could make more sense for the Cowboys to allocate their resources toward upgrading other areas of the team, such as their offensive line or secondary, and re-signing Dowdle at a fraction of the cost.
So why Dowdle? The 25-year-old running back, who initially signed with the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2020, has proven to be a reliable option in the backfield this season. Dowdle has accumulated 600 yards on the ground, averaging a solid 4.5 yards per carry. But perhaps his most impressive performance came on Thanksgiving against the New York Giants, when he racked up over 100 yards and helped keep the Cowboys’ offense on track.
In addition to his rushing success, Dowdle has also showcased his versatility as a pass catcher. He has tallied 195 receiving yards and found the end zone three times through the air. His ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game gives the Cowboys a well-rounded player at a fraction of what they would pay a high-profile rookie like Jeanty.
Haringey also noted that Dowdle’s standout performance against the Giants could be the beginning of something bigger: “Dowdle’s breakout performance against the Giants does give him a platform to build on down the stretch. It’s conceivable, if not probable, that he can turn his lengthy 2024 regular season audition into a starting spot in 2025.”
With Dowdle set to hit free agency in the offseason, the Cowboys will have to make a decision. Re-signing him to a reasonable contract could give the team stability at the position, while leaving them room to invest in other areas that need immediate attention. Meanwhile, Jeanty will be one of the most coveted players in the draft, but the Cowboys would be wise to think beyond the shiny new toy and instead address their needs at other positions.
In an offseason that promises to be filled with tough choices, the Cowboys have the chance to find balance by continuing to develop Dowdle and investing their first-round pick wisely. Rather than chasing the dream of a top-tier draft pick, the Cowboys could capitalize on the potential they already have within their ranks.
The running back position is undeniably important, but in an era of the NFL where teams are finding success with deep and flexible backfields, Dowdle may be the right fit for the Cowboys as they look to build a well-rounded, sustainable roster moving forward.
