Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys have been under fire for their “selectively aggressive” approach to the 2025 offseason. Their first move in free agency under that strategy was agreeing to terms with Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams, likely signaling the end of Rico Dowdle’s time in Dallas.
Rico Dowdle’s Future Uncertain After Impressive 2024 Season
Dallas’ offense struggled in 2024, finishing No. 22 in PFSN’s Offense+ metric. Quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a partial avulsion of his hamstring in Week 9 and missed the rest of the season, and the offense never rebounded.
The Cowboys’ rushing attack was ineffective for most of the year, with Dowdle as the lone bright spot. He managed 1,079 yards and two rushing touchdowns behind a struggling offensive line.
Dowdle was the team’s most consistent back, adding 249 receiving yards and three more touchdowns. Veteran Ezekiel Elliott was the next-leading rusher out of the backfield with just 226 yards.
Dowdle played on a one-year deal in 2024, and after Dallas agreed to terms with Williams, his departure seems likely, according to ESPN Nation Cowboys reporter Todd Archer. He tweeted, “Javonte Williams’ deal is one year worth $3 million and a max of $3.5 million. Might spell the end of Rico Dowdle with the Cowboys, but would expect the Cowboys to look at a RB early in the draft if they don’t add another back.”
Spotrac.com estimates Dowdle’s market value at $6.2 million on a one-year deal, and he should have plenty of suitors in free agency.
4 Free Agent Landing Spots for Rico Dowdle
Denver Broncos
The Broncos haven’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since Phillip Lindsay in 2019. Even more surprising, they haven’t had a running back eclipse 100 yards in a single game in the last two seasons.
Denver already needed help at running back, but the need grew after releasing Williams. With $37 million in cap space, Dowdle is among the best available options.
He would be an immediate upgrade to Denver’s current backfield, which Williams led with just 513 rushing yards last season. The Broncos need to add Dowdle—along with another back in the draft—to take pressure off rookie quarterback Bo Nix.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders might still regret letting Josh Jacobs walk in 2024. That season, they cycled through four different starting running backs, none of whom reached 400 rushing yards. Dowdle could bring much-needed consistency to a team with $48.1 million in cap space after a pre-free agency shopping spree that included signing Geno Smith and extending Maxx Crosby.
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Adding Dowdle—along with a rookie receiver and another running back in the 2025 NFL Draft—could give the Raiders the final push to become a playoff team.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns remain concerned about Nick Chubb’s injury history and could target Dowdle to stabilize their backfield. However, Dowdle has his own injury history, and while he showed his high ceiling last season, Cleveland might be hesitant to spend on him.
Still, the Browns need at least two running backs, with Jerome Ford entering the final year of his rookie contract. With just $10.8 million in cap space, Dowdle could be a cost-effective option.
Pittsburgh Steelers
With Najee Harris agreeing to terms with the Los Angeles Chargers after four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons, the Steelers need a new starter.
That likely won’t be Dowdle, as Pittsburgh placed a second-round tender on restricted free agent running back Jaylen Warren, which would pay him $5.346 million in 2025, per Over the Cap. The Steelers are also expected to draft a running back.
However, Dowdle has shown flashes of being a difference-maker, and if Pittsburgh looks to add a veteran, he could be an option.
The Steelers are a team to watch for Dowdle. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has a history of using a rotation of backs, which could allow Dowdle to handle short-yardage duties while younger backs take on more explosive touches.