The Cowboys’ top rushing back at the beginning of the week was 5-foot-6 explosive Deuce Vaughn, a sixth-round pick in 2023 who only managed 40 yards on 23 carries the previous season. However, by Monday night’s business end, the Cowboys had finally taken action to retain Rico Dowdle, the team’s best remaining running back, by re-signing the 26-year-old veteran of five seasons to a new deal.
According to a Dallas Morning News article, Dowdle inked a one-year contract worth $1.25 million for the next year. Last season, he attempted 89 passes for 361 yards and two touchdowns. Spotrac assessed that Dowdle’s market value was $2 million annually, and the website put him in the running for a $6.2 million contract that would last three years.
Dowdle signed for a lot less, which has been the Cowboys’ norm during free agency. As they consider new contracts for Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, and CeeDee Lamb, they have entered this offseason not to acquire talent that can help them go over the hump in the postseason next winter, but rather to find the lowest possible prices.
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On Monday, beat reporter Michael Gehlken announced on Twitter/X that Rico Dowdle, a running back, had decided to re-sign with the Cowboys. A person familiar with the case indicated that the one-year contract is worth $1.255M, including a $200K signing bonus.
RB Rico Dowdle has agreed to re-sign with the Cowboys. One-year contract is worth $1.255M, including $200K signing bonus, a person close to situation said. https://t.co/nw3t74CwAP
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) March 18, 2024
Although Cowboys fans are happy to see Dowdle return, the situation in which the trade is occurring is less than ideal. Going into free agency, it appeared like running back would be the position to improve the offense for the Cowboys.
The team could have gone after some of the most well-known half backs available, like Aaron Jones, Josh Jacobs, Derrick Henry, and Saquon Barkley, as Tony Pollard had a rough season the previous year. Rather, as the top running backs were announced, owner Jerry Jones and his front management fiddled with their thumbs. At the start of free agency, Pollard ran off to join the Titans.
The Cowboys shrugged in response. It was soon apparent that landing a big name or re-signing Pollard was not the running back strategy. The plan has always been to wait and hope to draft an NFL rookie starter. Rounds 2-4 will offer a plethora of alternatives, but the Cowboys face the danger that the player they select may not be ready for the NFL.
Rico Della Casa 2020 was not drafted
Now though, Dowdle is usually around. Even though he currently tops the chart, once the season gets underway, he is anticipated to serve as a backup.
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We have only seen Dowdle play for the Cowboys for brief periods of time during the first four seasons. In 2020, he was a South Carolina native who was an undrafted free agent. He was forced to start as a rookie, playing special teams and logging seven rushing attempts to rank third behind Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard.
However, a hip injury ended his 2021 campaign, while an ankle issue kept him from playing in just five games in 2022. However, with Elliott out of the picture last season, Dowdle filled in for Pollard in a few spots and carried for a career-high 79 yards and a touchdown in the team’s victory over the Giants in Week 10.
That performance might offer some optimism that Dowdle could start in place of him if necessary. However, it is still the only occasion in his career when Dowdle has run for more than 50 yards.
