Just when it seemed like the Cowboys had solidified their running back situation, new concerns have emerged. Heading into the 2024 season, Dallas had a glaring need at running back. Tony Pollard departed in free agency, and the team failed to address the position in the NFL Draft or through impactful signings.
Reports suggested Derrick Henry was close to joining the Cowboys if they made a reasonable offer, but none materialized. Instead, Dallas re-signed Rico Dowdle and brought back aging veteran Ezekiel Elliott.
The results were predictable. Elliott has struggled to produce, while Dowdle has emerged as a capable option. Over 13 games, Dowdle has accumulated 880 rushing yards and is on track to break 1,000 yards despite limited usage early in the season. In his last four games, he’s posted 478 yards on 84 carries. Notably, Dallas is undefeated (4-0) in games where Dowdle records at least 19 rushing attempts.
However, the Cowboys’ frugality last offseason may cost them in 2025. Dowdle is playing on a one-year, $1.25 million deal and will likely demand a much higher salary in free agency.
Najee Harris Offers Consistency
Whether the Cowboys retain Dowdle or not, the NFL’s renewed emphasis on the running game means Dallas must invest more in the position moving forward.
Bleacher Report has recommended the Cowboys target Steelers running back Najee Harris, one of the top free agents in the upcoming offseason.
“Dallas entered this weekend averaging just 91.2 rushing yards per game, which is the fifth-fewest in the NFL. Lead backs Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott are both impending free agents in the offseason, so the front office will undoubtedly be in the running back market this spring,” the outlet explained.
“Harris is an intriguing option since he had over 1,000 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns during the first three years of his career. In 2024, he’s averaging the second-highest yards per game (67.5) of his career and needs just 123 yards to break the quadruple-digit mark again. Plus, the former first-round pick will only be 27 in March.”
Time to Invest in the Running Back Position
Harris won’t come cheap. The Cowboys might prefer to retain Dowdle and add a low-cost backup through free agency or the draft. However, Dowdle could receive lucrative offers from other teams, forcing Dallas to consider a big-name replacement like Harris.
Spotrac estimates Harris’ market value at $9.3 million annually, with a projected three-year, $27 million contract. That figure might even be on the low end, considering how well teams like the Ravens (Derrick Henry), Packers (Josh Jacobs), and Eagles (Saquon Barkley) benefited from investing in high-profile running backs last year.
- Tags: #CowboysSportroom, #PittsburghSteelersSportroom
