Every Cowboys player entering their last regular season game under contract in Week 18

It's crazy to think we've reached the end of the regular season already and while the Dallas Cowboys will be in the playoffs, the sun is slowly setting on the NFL season. It's January, which means there's only one month of football left.

The hope is that the Cowboys will be playing deep into January for the first time in three decades, and even into February if they reach the Super Bowl. Regardless of how far they make it, though, the offseason is right around the corner.

In other words several players on the Cowboys are approaching their last game under contract. Some players will re-sign, while others will test free agency and leave. With one week left in the regular season, now feels like a good time to inform fans on the team's 2024 free agents.

Cowboys 2024 restricted free agents

RB Rico Dowdle

If you can believe it, Rico Dowdle is the Cowboys only restricted free agent. it's relatively easy for teams to bring back restricted free agents. While RFAs are free to negotiate with any team, their original club can offer them a qualifying offer, or a "tender." If draft pick compensation is attached to the tender, the original team can receive a draft pick if it lets the player leave.

Dowdle was a restricted free agent last year, but his market was limited given he was coming off season-ending surgery. That could change this offseason, though, after he emerged as a viable backup behind Tony Pollard.

In 15 games, Dowdle's rushed 80 times for 315 yards (3.9 YPC) and two touchdowns, adding 14 catches for 90 yards and two scores as a receiver. He's averaged more yards after contact per attempt than Pollard and has proven more reliable in short-yardage situations and around the goal line.

It's fair to assume that Dowdle will be back in 2024 on another one-year deal.