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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.
Published on Feb. 6, 2026
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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.
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.
