When it comes to the backfield, the Dallas Cowboys have some question marks heading into the 2025 NFL season, hence the reason why they’ve been linked to a handful of trade suggestions for running backs.
However, Dallas isn’t expected to jump at the opportunity to make changes already. With some new faces in the backfield, the Cowboys look forward to heading into the new year with Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders headlining the unit.
Despite their current confidence in the group, one NFL writer pointed to Dallas’ decision to allow Rico Dowdle to walk in free agency as a move that contributes to what could be viewed as a mediocre offseason.
“Dallas’ running back situation is uninspiring,” writes ESPN’s Seth Walder.
After five seasons in Dallas, Dowdle packed up and took on a new deal after his best season in a Cowboys uniform.
While Dowdle won’t break the bank with the Carolina Panthers, he reached a one-year deal, which is worth a reported $6.5 million.
“Dowdle left for Carolina for under $3 million despite a very good 2024 season,” Walder added. “In his stead, the Cowboys brought in Williams (who had minus-84 rush yards over expectation in 2024, per NFL Next Gen Stats) and Sanders (minus-44). Dallas also drafted Jaydon Blue in Round 5.”
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Dowdle joined the Cowboys in 2020 as an undrafted free agent out of South Carolina. During his rookie season, he took on seven attempts and four returns on special teams.
In 2021, a hip injury during the preseason sidelined Dowdle for the entire year. He returned in 2022, making appearances in just five games. He didn’t produce on offense.
After another quiet run in 2023, Dowdle finally got a chance to take on feature back production in 2024. He started all but one of the 16 games he played, and took on 235 carries. Averaging 4.6 yards per carry, Dowdle rushed for 1,079 yards. He reached the endzone twice.
In the receiving game, the ex-Cowboy caught 39 passes for 249 yards and three touchdowns.
The Cowboys went for backs with more consistent production over the years in free agency. In Javonte Williams, they landed a four-year veteran who averaged 191 carries per season with the Denver Broncos. Although Williams never cracked the 1K-yard mark, he totaled over 2,300 yards and 11 touchdowns, while catching 158 passes for 966 yards and five scores.
Williams is younger and has fewer miles on him than Miles Sanders, but the Cowboys added a former Pro Bowler in the ex-Panthers running back. Sanders started his career as a Dallas rival, playing for the Philadelphia Eagles. He thrived in that system, averaging nearly 1,000 yards per season.
Sanders’ Carolina run wasn’t as inspiring. In 27 games across two seasons, Sanders totaled 637 rushing yards for just three touchdowns. The Cowboys might not get the Philly version of Sanders, but they are confident the Sanders-Williams combo could help the offense find success on the ground.
For the time being, there’s skepticism behind that idea. While there are other moves that raised eyebrows, the loss of Dowdle to the open market headlined a “C” grade of an offseason, according to ESPN.
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