Dallas Cowboys’ leading rusher of 2024 signs with NFC South team
The Dallas Cowboys will have a revamped backfield in 2025, as Rico Dowdle has signed with a new team in free agency. On Monday, the Cowboys reached an agreement with running back Javonte Williams.
Just two days later, Dowdle, who led the Cowboys in rushing last season, has secured a new home for 2025. According to Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer, Dowdle has signed a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers, valued up to $6.25 million.
Dowdle, an undrafted free agent from South Carolina, joined the Cowboys in 2020. Over five seasons, he accumulated 1,464 rushing yards, four touchdowns, and 56 receptions for five touchdowns.
In the 2024 season, Dowdle emerged as Dallas’ lead running back, rushing for a team-high 1,079 yards and two touchdowns, while also contributing 39 receptions for 249 yards and three touchdowns in 16 games, 15 of which were starts. His standout moment came between Weeks 13 and 15, where he rushed for 100 or more yards in three consecutive games, becoming the first Cowboys’ running back since Tony Pollard in 2022 to accomplish back-to-back 100-yard games (Weeks 13 & 14).
With Dowdle’s departure, the Cowboys are likely to seek additional help in the backfield during the 2025 NFL Draft.
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