2024 was the year of the running back. In the collegiate game, Ashton Jeanty took the nation by storm. The Boise State back had a historic campaign, finishing a close second in the Heisman race and carrying his squad to the College Football Playoff.
At the next level, the likes of Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, and Saquon Barkley all joined and transformed new teams, with the latter nearly breaking the rushing record and eventually capturing the Lombardi trophy.
This resurgence will not go unnoticed by front offices. Organizations have to be desperate to replicate this success and look to free agency first to bolster their backfield. CBS Sports analyst Garrett Podell thinks Cowboys breakout star Rico Dowdle is the best name set to hit the market.
“Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle will be an unrestricted free agent in March, and he has only 331 career carries since entering the league in 2020,” Podell wrote. “There’s plenty of tread left on his tires. It is worth noting some of that lower volume has to do with battling through a broken hip in 2021 and an ankle injury in 2022 while being third on the Dallas depth chart behind Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard.”
Dowdle ended the season on a high note. He crossed the century mark four times in his final six outings and finished the year sixth in rushing success rate.
He might not have the physical traits many of the league’s elite rushers possess, but he produces when given the chance. Dowdle should attract plenty of suitors regardless. He’s only 27 and is a north-south specialist, which helps set up the play-action pass. If Dallas doesn’t open the checkbook, they’ll be in grave danger of losing another lead ball carrier.
