Cowboys Eyeing Reunion With $13 Million Running Back in Free Agency

Former Cowboys RB Rico Dowdle could be the perfect complement to Javonte Williams in Dallas.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 8:31am

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The Dallas Cowboys are expected to re-sign running back Javonte Williams, but they may also look to add a veteran running back in free agency to take some of the workload off Williams. One analyst believes the Cowboys' best option is a reunion with former Cowboys RB Rico Dowdle, who is projected to command a two-year, $13 million contract in free agency.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' running game was a strength in 2025 with Williams emerging as a star, but his heavy workload took a toll late in the season. Adding a reliable veteran like Dowdle could help keep Williams fresh and provide insurance in case of injury.

The details

Dowdle had a career year with the Cowboys in 2024 before signing with the Carolina Panthers in free agency, where he had another 1,000-yard season in 2025. However, Dowdle's workload diminished late in the season, which could lead him to seek a situation where he can be the lead back. The Cowboys' power-based running scheme under OC Klayton Adams would be an ideal fit for Dowdle's skill set.

  • Dowdle is set to become a free agent in the 2026 offseason.
  • The Cowboys are expected to re-sign RB Javonte Williams, who dealt with a shoulder injury late in the 2025 season.

The players

Rico Dowdle

A former Cowboys running back who had a career year in 2024 before signing with the Carolina Panthers in free agency, where he had another 1,000-yard season in 2025.

Javonte Williams

The Cowboys' starting running back, who revived his career in Dallas in 2025 and is expected to be re-signed by the team.

Jerry Jones

The owner of the Dallas Cowboys, who expressed his desire to retain Javonte Williams.

Klayton Adams

The Cowboys' offensive coordinator, whose power-based running scheme would be an ideal fit for Dowdle's skill set.

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What they’re saying

“I love way he brings the wood, so to speak, when he runs. So looking forward to hopefully him being a Cowboy for a time to come.”

— Jerry Jones, Owner, Dallas Cowboys (The Athletic)

“Just finishing strong right now is my main goal. But I love it here. I love my teammates. I love everybody.”

— Javonte Williams (The Athletic)

“That definitely is a factor. There's options for me. I just want to be a guy who can go out there and just get the bulk [of the carries].”

— Rico Dowdle (Sporting News)

What’s next

The Cowboys will need to decide if they can fit Dowdle's projected $13 million contract into their budget, especially if they re-sign Javonte Williams to a lucrative extension.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' running game was a strength in 2025, but adding a veteran like Dowdle could help keep Javonte Williams fresh and provide insurance in case of injury. Dowdle's power-running style would be a good fit in the Cowboys' offense, but the team will have to weigh the cost against their other roster needs.