The Dallas Cowboys are set to have a nearly all-new backfield next season. While not entirely unexpected, it was somewhat startling that they chose not to retain Rico Dowdle, who provided crucial equilibrium to the offense when he became the primary running back.

During training camp, it was clear he was the standout running back on the team, yet, in a puzzling move, Ezekiel Elliott was re-integrated into the lineup after being unexpectedly re-signed post-draft. Many anticipated that Dowdle would attract significant attention in the market following his breakout season, but he ended up signing a modest one-year contract with the Panthers.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys acquired Javonte Williams, a former Broncos second-round pick, on a similar deal. This raises the question: why didn’t Dallas just re-sign Dowdle at that point? The situation becomes even more perplexing following a report by Joe Person of The Athletic.

Cowboys’ decision not to re-sign Rico Dowdle is increasingly questionable. “Despite his successful contract year, Dowdle accepted a one-year, incentive-laden deal with Carolina when no teams proposed a multiyear agreement. His strategy is to remain healthy, stay productive, and re-enter the market next year,” reported Joe Person from The Athletic.

So, the Cowboys didn’t offer Dowdle a multiyear contract. What’s the rationale? A significant number of fans were in favor of Dallas offering Dowdle a mid-season extension during his breakout year before his market value could potentially escalate in free agency.

While not a big-play threat, Dowdle demonstrated he could be a more-than-competent starter in a leading role. At 26, he ranked in the top 10 for his position with a 53.6% success rate in rushing, achieving a 74.4 PFF rushing grade, 3.28 yards after contact per attempt, and forcing 45 missed tackles.

In a lackluster free agency class, it was widely believed Dowdle could secure at least $6 million annually. PFF predicted Dowdle might sign a three-year, $15 million contract with $8.5 million guaranteed. However, he joined Carolina for $3 million, with incentives potentially pushing the total value just over $6 million. This raises the question of why Dowdle’s market was so limited.

It’s plausible that teams, including the Cowboys, were cautious due to his injury history. Dowdle missed the entire 2021 season and played only five games in 2022 due to injuries. Nevertheless, he participated in 32 out of a possible 34 regular-season games over the past two years and experienced the highest usage of his career, including a personal record of 235 carries in 2024.

Najee Harris, a former first-round pick for the Steelers, is the only running back to sign for more than $5 million annually this offseason. Dowdle doesn’t have Harris’ track record or durability. Perhaps he needs another strong year before NFL teams are ready to commit to him for more than one season. Nonetheless, it remains perplexing why Dallas didn’t take advantage of his reduced market value.