The Denver Broncos may be ready to part ways with starting running back Javonte Williams in free agency this offseason, and a promising replacement could come in the form of Dallas Cowboys free agent Rico Dowdle. Dowdle, an undrafted gem out of South Carolina in 2020, spent his first few seasons as a backup but broke out in 2024, starting 15 of 16 games for the Cowboys.
At 26 years old, Dowdle is one of the few running backs with long-term starter potential on the market. With a projected annual value of just $6.2 million, he offers a great deal of value for a high-volume runner. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox suggests the Broncos should seriously consider Dowdle to fill the role.
The Denver Broncos faced difficulties pairing Bo Nix with a consistent ground attack in 2024 and now find themselves set to lose running back Javonte Williams in free agency. Ranking 16th in rushing yards as a team, the Broncos also struggled with the fourth-fewest yards per attempt. Williams, a second-round pick in 2021, continued to battle the effects of a major knee injury from 2022. In addition, rookies like Audric Estime and young veterans like Jaleel McLaughlin had their share of starts.
Rico Dowdle, at 26, is a promising option for the Broncos. With only 331 career carries, he’s still seen as having plenty of untapped potential, making him an attractive free-agent target. CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco ranked Dowdle as the top available running back and the 36th overall free agent for 2025, suggesting that his best years could be ahead of him.
Leave a Reply