The Dallas Cowboys got a strong performance out of running back Rico Dowdle this season in a year of uncertainty in the backfield.
Dowdle is the first undrafted Cowboys player to rush for 1,000 yards in franchise history. Now, Dowdle is on the free market,
If the Cowboys can't bring him back in the fold for 2025, who can the team land in free agency to bolster up the backfield?
Here are four running back candidates that the Cowboys should target in free agency.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris would be the home run choice for the Cowboys. Harris finished 2024 with 1,043 yards rushing and would be the perfect physical back the Cowboys need.
Cleveland Browns star Nick Chubb may be a risk, but the reward would far outweigh any second thoughts. Chubb returned in 2024 after a gruesome knee injury sidelined him in 2023.
Chubb only had 102 rushing attempts this season; however, now, with one full season under his belt, the four-time Pro Bowler could be back to his old ways in 2025.
Nobody earned a larger paycheck for 2025 than Jordan Mason. Mason filled the void left when the San Francisco 49ers were without Christian McCaffrey for a portion of the season.
Mason started six games for the 49ers and finished the season with 789 rushing yards on 153 attempts.
J.K. Dobbins will be a sought-after running back in free agency after his comeback season with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Injury history will be something to monitor with Dobbins; however, the former Baltimore Ravens back had his best season out of the backfield, rushing for 905 yards, as well as matching his career high in rushing touchdowns with 9.
4 candidates to replace Mike McCarthy as Cowboys head coach
3 former Dallas Cowboys players who could become the next head coach
Deion Sanders to Dallas Cowboys? Jerry Jones willing to make Prime Time splash
Dallas Cowboys land elite safety, massive wideout in 7-round mock draft
Way too early look at 7 NFL free agents Cowboys can target
Meet Reece Allman: Star of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Netflix doc
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!