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After seeing Rico Dowdle really come into his own during the season, do you think he deserves the lead running-back position next year? I think drafting a back is needed, but Dowdle deserves his shot. – Steve Hrasch/Streator, IL
Nick: I think he deserves a chance to get the ball a lot in 2025. Remember, he's a free agent at the end of the season and he's probably earned himself a decent payday, whether it's here or somewhere else. I'll say this, staying in Dallas might be the best option for him, considering they probably won't be signing a free agent back better than him, and even if they draft someone, it will be a good spot for him to play.
I think all backs need some help. Gainwell gets the ball quite a bit for an Eagles offense that has a 2,000-yard rusher. Derrick Henry isn't the only one getting carries in Baltimore. So whoever is running the ball, there should be more than 1 primary runner. That being said, I think Dowdle has earned the chance to be one of those guys in Dallas, along with someone else - probably a draft pick. Again, Dowdle has to be re-signed but assuming the offense doesn't change too much, it at all, I would think it makes sense to bring him back.
Kurt: You bet he deserves a shot. He's one of just 14 players in the NFL to have topped 1,000 rushing yards without the benefit of the extra 17th game. In fact, he actually reached the mark despite playing in 15 contests, having missed the 49ers showdown back on Oct. 27. And maybe even more impressive, he did so while largely splitting carries early in the schedule before then getting the bulk of his work behind a patchwork offensive line.
Dowdle is now one of just six players in Cowboys history to post a season average of 4.7 yards per carry on a minimum of 200 attempts, joining Emmitt Smith, Tony Dorsett, Ezekiel Elliott, DeMarco Murray and Marion Barber. That's pretty lofty company. So yes, the Cowboys will surely take a running back in this year's draft, but Dowdle would definitely get a chance to be the lead horse … if he's here. Remember, he returned to Dallas on a one-year deal last March and is now an unrestricted free agent. Meaning, he'll be able to sign with whoever he wants.
The Cowboys chose not to invest heavily at running back last offseason. Will they this time around? Has Dowdle priced himself out of the front office's budget for that position? No matter who gets the most carries, having a solid veteran to pair with a rising rookie would provide the Cowboys a nice one-two punch in the backfield. Whether that happens, though, remains to be seen.
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