One analyst makes the compelling argument as a free agent running back target for the Washington Commanders ahead of the 2026 season.
While the franchise tag window already open and the rumor mill and projections ahead of the NFL Draft and the start of free agency, coupled with a long list of roster needs for the Commanders, Washington has found itself a frequent destination for several coveted free agents.
But the need at running back remains an underrated yet pressing need this offseason given only one enters the spring under contract as Jacory Croskey-Merritt looks to build on his rookie season.
"There will definitely be acquisitions that take place there," offensive coordinator David Blough said during his introductory press conference.
There are several free agents who are able to upgrade the top of the room with depth a question mark, but one analyst pointed to a former NFC East running back as the best fit with Panthers running back Rico Dowdle set to enter free agency in search of a bigger role.
"I think he can be the guy in Washington. I love the fact that you pair a guy that has that level of burst and explosiveness with an athletic, explosive quarterback, because we've seen this all throughout history - anytime you pair a mobile quarterback with a tailback or an explosive back, they have their best seasons," Emory Hunt of CBS Sports said.
Hunt also pointed to other agile quarterbacks with explosive running backs like Vince Young and Chris Johnson, Mike Vick and Warrick Dunn along with Vick and LeSean McCoy as other examples. Granted, the game has changed since then, but the point remains that Dowdle would be able to step into a role that much better fits what he's looking for compared to his prior stints in Dallas and Carolina. ESPN projected Denver as a fit with JK Dobbins leaving, but the Broncos also return RJ Harvey in 2026 where he'll command a significant role in the offense.
"You put someone like Rico Dowdle in a situation where he's with Jayden Daniels, expect big plays to happen. And that's what they need, someone that can really set the table for the run game. Dowdle can do just that," he added.
Dowdle posted consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons, including just three yards shy of matching his 2024 production this past season. But Dowdle was also able to step up as a receiving back, a question mark for the room especially since Croskey-Merritt finished with just nine as a rookie. Dowdle, meanwhile, has posted 39 catches in each of his last two seasons.
Spotrac projects a two year, $13 million contract for Dowdle where he enters spring as one of the top available running backs. Whether in Washington or elsewhere, it's clear that he will command much more than the one year deal that was capped at $6.25 million after incentives.