The Dallas Cowboys were finally snapped out of their annual free agency trance late on Monday night, as they agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with former Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams. This is exactly the type of news Rico Dowdle and his agent did not want to see.
Though Williams averaged just 3.7 yards per carry in the last two years under Sean Payton, and was outperformed by backups Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime, Dallas seems to believe that he could get back to his old self once he gets fully integrated in Brian Schottenheimer's scheme.
This leaves Dowdle on the outside looking in, as he may be squeezed out of a starting role on his old team. The Cowboys, who are widely expected to select a running back at some point in the 2025 NFL Draft, may not be willing to give Dowdle the type of role or contract he wants afterhis breakout season.
Dowdle's free agency just took a turn for the surprising, as it may not make sense for both he and Williams to suit up alongside one another for Dallas.
Cowboys may have confirmed Rico Dowdle's fate after Javonte Williams move
Though Dowdle found the end zone just twice, he did rush for over 1,000 yards and put up a robust 4.6 yards per carry despite the Dak Prescott injury and an unsettled offensive line. Even if he's not a high-end bell cow back, Dowdle has proven to be a worthwhile contributor in the pros.
Even if the Cowboys miss out on Boise State's Ashton Jeanty in the first round of the NFL Draft, the depth and quality of this class could help Dallas land North Carolina's Omarion Hampton or one of the two Ohio State stars in TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins on Day 2. Dowdle may not have room to stand out here.
Dowdle may find it hard to earn another starting RB1 contract without some serious competition behind him. Still, you don't earn 1,000 yards on above-average efficiency by accident, and Dowdle's consistency might be all another team needs to see as they weigh the pros and cons of offering him a contract.
Dowdle's Dallas tenure was a pleasant surprise, as he rose from the ranks of the undrafted to become a solid starter. However, with Dallas clearly angling to find a replacement sooner rather than later, Dowdle may have played his final snap with the Cowboys.
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