The Dallas Cowboys have gotten ahead of schedule before free agency begins next week.
They have already re-signed some of their own impending free agents, most notably Osa Odighizuwa. They have also restructured the contracts of CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott, giving them more wiggle room to go out and sign free agents.
One player the Cowboys have not addressed bringing back before he hits the open market is running back Rico Dowdle. This could be a costly move given his breakout season last year.
While the window is still wide open for Dallas to sign him before free agency, no reports have surfaced on if the team will bring him back. If Dowdle departs, the Cowboys should be looking at these running backs in free agency.
3 running backs Cowboys can sign in free agency if Rico Dowdle leaves
1. J.K. Dobbins
J.K. Dobbins might have been a bigger name a few years ago when he was in Baltimore, but the former Buckeye had a solid bounce-back season in 2024. After tearing his ACL in the first game of the 2023 when he was with the Ravens, Dobbins went to the Chargers where finished the season with over 1,000 yards from scrimmage. Right now it appears Los Angeles will be moving on from him as their starting running back.
Dobbins is a back that can be a big part of the passing game, something Dowdle and Tony Pollard saw plenty of action doing the past two seasons. That makes him a good fit for Dallas.
Bringing in Dobbins might be more costly, but if a team scoops up Dowdle, the Cowboys should at least inquire about him. Dobbins would be an instant veteran starter and good mentor if (when) the team drafts a running back. A move like this would get more fans to believe this team is actually trying to improve the roster.
With extra money available now that contracts have been restructured, signing free agents with a resume like Dobbins should not be out of the question.
2. A.J. Dillon
Dillon was actually someone the Cowboys were considering last offseason according to reports. Unfortunately, nothing materialized and he signed with Green Bay for another year. Dillon would be a cheaper option than Dobbins largely due to him being a part-time starter with the Packers and an injury history.
Dillon is also coming off a year where he did not play. He suffered a neck injury during training camp in 2024 and was placed on injured reserve. For a guy coming off an injury, there rightfully should be concern on Dallas' part, but it could turn into something worth while. Dillon likely will not have many teams begging for his services and that is where the Cowboys do their best bargain basement shopping.
Bringing in Dillon would likely only be on a one-year "prove it" deal. While bringing in Dillon would not give the team an instant starter, he has had success when given opportunities in Green Bay. From 2021to 2023 he rushed for over 600 yards in each season. For a backup, those number are not bad.
The Cowboys do need to draft a running back, but they need to have at least a few more in the stable, preferably ones with experience. The running back-by-committee approach did not work last year until Dowdle took over, but Dillon has more to offer than the backs this team had in camp last season. Bringing him in if Dowdle does not come back would be a good move.
3. Jeff Wilson
Wilson looks like he will be looking for a fresh start after three uneventful seasons in Miami. In San Francisco he spent time behind other running backs and Miami was more of the same. Despite him not being a feature back in years past, Dallas might be one of the best places for him to get more of an opportunity to be a starter.
Wilson was limited last season with injuries but has shown solid speed and acceleration. Both could come in handy in Dallas' offense. This would be a cheaper route for the Cowboys to go but bringing in a seven-year pro can bolster any running back room.
Wilson has also been a part of teams that have had success. Two out of his four years in San Francisco the 49ers made the playoffs and had great success. His first full season in Miami was also a playoff season. The Cowboys need to bring in good locker room guys who have playoff experience.
This team is getting younger and more inexperienced and having players who have been around awhile can have a positive influence.
While bringing in Wilson would still mean the team needs to address running back in the draft, having someone like him would be better than relying on who this team currently has under contract if Rico is gone.
