The Dallas Cowboys have seen significant strides in their run game over the last few weeks thanks to a focus on feeding the ball to Rico Dowdle, but the in-house project will be hitting the free agency market in the offseason.

FRISCO — When the Dallas Cowboys look back on the mistakes made during the 2024 season, an item atop the list will be pushing a two-headed approach from the start of the season. The struggles of the entire offense hindered the running game from the start, but quickly Rico Dowdle emerged as the team’s best backfield option.

Dowdle did not get the nod as the focal point of this rushing attack until the second half of the season. Nonetheless, he has only proven the Cowboys right since getting full use as the No. 1 option.

Next year, Dallas needs one lead back. Re-sign Rico? Draft Ashton Jeanty? Sign an outside name like Najee Harris?

The fifth-year back Dowdle has topped his career high in rushing yards each of his last three starts, most recently gashing the Carolina Panthers for 149 yards on 25 carries. Amid the Cowboys’ push to play for pride in the final weeks, Dowdle has been a catalyst on the offensive side with his trio of 100-yard performances.

Rico Dowdle And Najee Harris At The Star

By Tony Fisher

However, he is set to hit the free agency market in the offseason and could have a list of teams willing to bid on his services. As a result of that status, the Cowboys will have a decision to make when it comes to their backfield.

There is no future behind Dowdle currently on the roster. Ezekiel Elliott’s best days are past him and Deuce Vaughn does not have the skillset to be the consistent back this offense needs.

Looking elsewhere, Dallas could find their running back of the future in the NFL Draft. Frisco native and Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty has long been connected to the Cowboys, making him a possible candidate to start for his hometown team next season.

Another option would be signing a free agent, a process the Cowboys botched last offseason. Names like Najee Harris will be available this time around as Bleacher Report suggests, but a move for a back like Harris would be a pricy and maybe lateral move from Dowdle.

The final choice the Cowboys have is to just resign Dowdle. Now at the right price, that seems like the ideal solution, but the front office has been clear about their intentions to save money.

In fairness to the Cowboys, an overpay on a running back would be a mistake. But they cannot punt on the position either. Whether they choose Dowdle or explore other options, the Cowboys must make the right decision on the running back spot heading into next season.