One of the positives, if you want to call it that, for the Dallas Cowboys this season was Rico Dowdle's emergence as a starting-caliber running back.
Having been part of a running back by committee approach that clearly didn't work, Rico was then given the keys to the running back room from Week 12 and the production took off.
In his last six games, Rico surpassed 100 rushing yards and finished the year with 1,079 rushing yards, which, considering the Cowboys' season in totality, is a decent achievement.
But now we come to one of the host of decisions the Cowboys front office will have to make this offseason.
Dowdle is a free agent, along with half the roster, but should he return in 2025?
We think so, and let's get into the two main reasons why.
Offensive familiarity:
If we are reading the tea leaves right, then Mike McCarthy could be returning to The Star in 2025, and this only works if "Big Mike" returns.
But Rico will be familiar with the offense and will get another full offseason of work in McCarthy's system, meaning, in theory, a better season could await him in 2025.
But let's be clear here. Rico as a starter? We aren't sure, considering the host of studs in the draft, but as a cog in the offensive machine? Definitely.
Dowdle showed he can contribute to the offense as a runner and receiver this season, and with McCarthy wanting him to be a three-down back, his pass-protection skills will need work.
But his knowledge of the system will prove beneficial, especially if Dallas takes a running back in the draft.
Low-cost contract:
Now, yes, Rico surpassed 1,000 rushing yards, but he won't be commanding a significant contract like some other free agents.
Dowdle's contract in 2024 was a one-year, $1.2 million deal, so we imagine that despite his late-season surge, he will be getting a big improvement in his proposed contract.
But the good thing for the Cowboys is that it won't break the bank. Would Cowboys Nation and the front office have Dowdle back in 2025 on a two-year deal, say for $8 million?
That is feasible, and it would also give Dallas wriggle room to sign a running back via the draft.
Offensive similarity and a low-cost contract mean Dowdle is a likely candidate to return in 2025.
