The Dallas Cowboys’ 2024 season may have fallen short of expectations, but it wasn’t without its silver linings. One of the most notable bright spots was the emergence of running back Rico Dowdle, who turned heads by delivering a standout performance with over 1,000 rushing yards. His breakout campaign has sparked speculation about his future, with rumors swirling about a potential move to the Cleveland Browns—a team in dire need of reinforcements in their backfield.
NFL analyst Maurice Jones-Drew has weighed in on the situation, projecting that Dowdle could sign with the Browns during the upcoming free agency period. According to Jones-Drew, Cleveland’s offense, led by head coach Kevin Stefanski, would benefit significantly from Dowdle’s skill set. “In 2025, Stefanski’s system will require a new workhorse running back as Nick Chubb’s contract comes to an end,” Jones-Drew explained. “Dowdle would fit seamlessly into this scheme, and pairing him with Jerome Ford could revive Cleveland’s run game, which is essential to their offensive success.”
For the Cowboys, Dowdle’s ascent has been a pleasant surprise, but it comes at a challenging time. With 25 players set to enter free agency, the team faces tough decisions about which players to prioritize. While Dowdle’s performance makes him an attractive candidate for retention, he may not be among the Cowboys’ top-tier re-signing priorities. His rising market value could push him beyond the team’s financial comfort zone, particularly with a strong crop of running back prospects available in the upcoming NFL Draft.
The Browns, on the other hand, are in a position where they desperately need to bolster their ground attack. Following Chubb’s potential departure and inconsistency in their backfield, Dowdle’s ability to break tackles, find gaps, and maintain durability over the course of a season could make him an ideal fit. His addition would not only complement Jerome Ford but also help re-establish the Browns’ identity as a run-heavy offense.
Although Dowdle isn’t the most high-profile player hitting the free-agent market, his potential to transform an offense could make him one of the most impactful signings of the offseason. For the Cowboys, losing Dowdle would undoubtedly leave a hole in their backfield. However, the team might be willing to take that risk, betting on the draft to find an affordable replacement. Meanwhile, for the Browns, signing Dowdle could be the key to reigniting their playoff hopes in a competitive AFC landscape.
As free agency looms, all eyes will be on how the Cowboys handle Dowdle’s contract situation and whether the Browns can position themselves as the front-runners to secure his services. One thing is certain: Dowdle’s breakout season has turned him into one of the most intriguing storylines of the offseason.
