Former Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle saw one of the best seasons of his career end in confusing fashion with the Carolina Panthers in 2025. Now, it sounds like he may be open to a comeback with his former team.
When Dowdle stopped getting the necessary touches late in the season, he was left confounded, saying he had no idea why his number wasn’t being called despite playing some of the best football of his career in Carolina.
Dowdle was only on a one-year, $2.75 million contract with the Panthers in 2025, making it easy for Carolina to let him test free agency. After Dowdle’s recent comments praising the Cowboys during Super Bowl week on the All-City DLLS podcast, it sounds like his stint in Carolina could be one-and-done.
"I will never take that option off the table. I definitely would consider coming back to Dallas," Dowdle said. "Truly thankful for them, and like I said, they blessed me and gave me the opportunity. The starting point to be where I am today."
Rico Dowdle says a Dallas Cowboys reunion isn't out of the picture
The Panthers appeared to have an identity crisis at running back down the stretch of this season. After Dowdle put together some of the best performances of his career, he logged just 24 carries over his final three games, including the playoffs.
With Chuba Hubbard under contract and Jonathon Brooks expected back in 2026 after missing all of 2025 with a torn ACL, the writing appears to be on the wall for Dowdle to find a new team.
With the familiarity that Dowdle has with Brian Schottenheimer, Dak Prescott, and the offensive line, it would make a lot of sense for Jerry Jones to bring him back. He wouldn't have to worry about Mike McCarthy misusing him anymore and giving carries to Ezekiel Elliott.
It was destined for Dowdle to shred his former team, as he torched the Cowboys' defense for 239 scrimmage yards, the most in the Panthers franchise history. He doesn't have to worry about that anymore, and all he has to do is look at Javonte Williams' resume under Brian Schottenheimer.
It was poetic that Dowdle's signature NFL moment came against his former team, as he torched Dallas for 239 scrimmage yards -- the most in Panthers franchise history -- when the teams met back in Week 6.
Dowdle doesn’t have to worry about proving a point to Dallas anymore. If he’s looking for a roadmap to success, all he has to do is look at what Javonte Williams became under Brian Schottenheimer.
The Jonses have made it clear that they want Williams back in 2026. However, he clearly lost some juice in the second half of the season as Dallas didn't trust any other RBs. Signing Dowdle even if Williams returns is something the front office should consider.
But Dowdle should be Jones' first phone call if Williams leaves. He said he would "definitely" consider coming back to Dallas.
The Joneses have some options here. It's just a matter of which option they will choose.