A familiar face could be returning to Dallas.

Free agent running back Rico Dowdle has expressed interest in a Cowboys comeback. His potential return follows a productive season with the Carolina Panthers.

After his breakout debut year with the Cowboys, the 27-year-old used his free agency to sign a contract with the Carolina Panthers.

He was under a one-year contract for $3 million, but if he received a better one, especially from the Cowboys, he would “definitely consider” a comeback.

“I definitely would consider coming back to Dallas. Truly thankful for them, and like said, they blessed me and gave me the opportunity, the starting point to be where I am today,” a grateful Dowdle said according to DDLS Cowboys. 

A post by Dov Kleiman stated that his return would improve the running back as “Dowdle would THRIVE under Brian Schottenheimer,” the Cowboys’ head coach.

And That’s a Fair Assessment Given His Past Stint

Between 2020 and 2024, Dowdle made 331 carries for 1,464 yards and scored four touchdowns. As for his receiving stats, he made 56 receptions out of  71 targeted throws. 

He couldn’t play much in 2021 and 2022 due to hip and ankle injuries. But Dowdle followed up with good performances in the next two seasons before exiting in 2024 just as the Cowboys made a major decision.

Schottenheimer was hired in 2025 and is an offensive-minded coach who impacted the offensive unit immensely. 

In this season, the Cowboys ranked second in terms of total yards per game with 391.9 and passing yards per game with 266.3. They scored 27.7 points per game.

A runner like Dowdle would only elevate quarterback Dak Prescott, who threw over 4,550 yards this season. However, that role is currently filled by Javonte Williams, who rushed for 1,201 yards and made 252 carries this season.

With that performance, he ranked ninth in the league for yardage, 10th in carries, and eighth for making 11 touchdowns. Williams is also hitting free agency this postseason, and whether he gets a call back from the Cowboys remains unknown.

The franchise has two good and proven options to choose from. But which one is it? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Joyita Das