Former Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle is open to the possibility of returning to The Star in 2026.
The Dallas Cowboys running back room appears to be settled, with Javonte Williams leading the way in 2025.
But he is a free agent after posting 1,201 yards and 11 TDs in Brian Schottenheimer's offense, and now the Cowboys are working on a multi-year deal for Javonte.
However, behind Williams is where things get a little sticky for Dallas.
Jaydon Blue had a bumpy rookie season, and Malik Davis, who was signed off the couch mid-season, is also in the mix, along with Phil Mafah.
Our own Mike Fisher has stated the Cowboys' running back plan of "Thunder and Lightning" with Williams and Blue in 2026, but right now, you could make the case that Davis is the No. 2 back as we head into the offseason.
So there is some work to be done, and most know the Cowboys need a dependable back behind Javonte.
And that brings us to a former Cowboy who enjoyed a fruitful 2025 season, coming off another 1,000-yard rushing season with the Carolina Panthers -- Rico Dowdle.
A free agent, Rico spoke with Clarence Hill Jr. of DLLS Cowboys and made it known that he is open to returning to Dallas.
"Oh yeah, for sure,” Dowdle said. “I would never take that option off the table. I definitely would consider coming back to Dallas. Truly thankful for them, and like I said, they blessed me and gave me the opportunity, the starting point to be where I am today. So definitely.”
So that is an interesting option.
The Cowboys parted ways with Rico after his first-ever 1,000-yard season in 2024, with the running back reportedly wanting $6 million APY to stick around.
Dallas didn't want to pay that and pivoted to Javonte. A move that has worked out rather well.
But would the Cowboys be willing to bring back Rico to serve as Javonte's backup?
It is an interesting thought.
But we offer this -- where would that put Blue, Davis, and even Phil Mafah in the pecking order?
You could make the case that Rico is better than all of those mentioned. But he won't be cheap.
Also, he is a similar runner to Javonte. A tough, powerful back, but won't threaten with a home run all that often. Rico's biggest run in 2025 was 53 yards, and he only had two runs of 20+ yards.
So while a return is an interesting thought, the Cowboys might be better off going with Blue or Davis as a backup for Javonte.