Who are the free agents for the Cowboys? Rico Dowdle is one of the major pending FAs.

As the Dallas Cowboys head into the 2025 offseason, their roster faces a number of significant decisions regarding free agency. While the team has a core of talented players, including franchise quarterback Dak Prescott and star running back Tony Pollard, free agency presents an opportunity to improve the roster, address depth issues, and ensure the Cowboys are positioned for a championship run in the coming season. One player who will undoubtedly be a major talking point during this period is Rico Dowdle, the Cowboys’ running back who is set to become a free agent after the 2024 season. However, Dowdle is just one of several free agents whose future with the team is up in the air, and the Cowboys’ decisions will have lasting impacts on their roster for the 2025 campaign and beyond.

Rico Dowdle: A Key Puzzle Piece for the Cowboys

Rico Dowdle, a running back, has had a somewhat quiet yet impactful role in the Cowboys’ offense over the past seasons. Originally drafted by Dallas as an undrafted free agent in 2020, Dowdle has spent his time primarily behind Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott in the Cowboys’ backfield. However, with the departure of Elliott to free agency after the 2023 season, Dowdle’s role began to expand in 2024, and he showed flashes of what he could bring to the table as a complement to Pollard.

Dowdle has become known for his steady running style, toughness, and ability to break tackles. His versatility also allows him to be a significant asset in both the running and passing game. In 2024, Dowdle recorded solid statistics when given the opportunity to start in games where Pollard was banged up or the game script called for a change of pace. He ended the season with around 450 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns, while also contributing in the receiving game with over 200 yards and 2 touchdowns. His ability to spell Pollard and provide a change of pace in the running game was one of the underrated aspects of the Cowboys’ offense.

Despite his solid contributions, the question remains: What will the Cowboys do with Dowdle in free agency? There is no doubt that Dowdle has shown enough potential to warrant consideration for a larger role in the Cowboys’ offense in 2025, but his future with the team depends on a variety of factors, including the team’s salary cap situation, their interest in bringing in a new running back, and their vision for the offense moving forward.

Free Agents on the Cowboys’ Roster for 2025

While Dowdle is a major free agent to monitor, he is far from the only one the Cowboys need to address this offseason. The following are some of the other key free agents set to hit the market in 2025 and what their departures or re-signings could mean for the franchise.

1. Tony Pollard (RB)

Arguably the most significant free agent for the Cowboys in 2025 is Tony Pollard, who became the team’s primary running back after Ezekiel Elliott’s departure. Pollard had a breakout 2024 season, amassing over 1,300 rushing yards and contributing as a dual-threat with over 400 receiving yards. His ability to make big plays in both the ground and passing games has made him one of the top running backs in the NFL.

Pollard’s importance to the Cowboys cannot be overstated. His ability to take over games with explosive runs and his improvement as a pass-catcher have made him an integral part of the offense. However, given the nature of the running back market, Pollard will likely demand a hefty contract, and the Cowboys will have to make a tough decision regarding whether to invest heavily in the position or address it more economically through the draft or free agency.

The Cowboys’ decision regarding Pollard will be shaped by their long-term financial strategy, especially considering the large contracts given to Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and their defensive stars. Re-signing Pollard will require careful cap management, but he remains a cornerstone player for the offense.

2. Leighton Vander Esch (LB)

Leighton Vander Esch has been a stalwart in the Cowboys’ linebacker corps since being drafted in the first round in 2018. However, injuries have hampered his ability to stay on the field in recent years, limiting his impact in some seasons. Vander Esch is still an effective player when healthy, providing leadership, solid tackling, and an ability to cover ground in coverage.

The Cowboys will need to evaluate whether Vander Esch is worth re-signing on a long-term deal. If he is able to stay healthy and provide consistent production, he could continue to be a valuable asset to a Cowboys defense that has been one of the most dominant in the league over the past few years. However, given his injury history and the emergence of younger linebackers like Damone Clark and Micah Parsons, Vander Esch’s future in Dallas is uncertain.

3. Donovan Wilson (S)

Donovan Wilson has emerged as one of the Cowboys’ most reliable defensive players in recent years, especially in the safety position. Wilson, known for his physicality and ability to make plays in the box, has been a key contributor in both pass coverage and run defense. Over the past two seasons, Wilson has consistently been one of the Cowboys’ top tacklers and one of the hardest-hitting players in their secondary.

While Wilson’s playstyle may not always be flashy, his presence on the field is undeniable. His contract status will be a key issue for the Cowboys in 2025, as they’ll need to decide whether to offer him a long-term deal or allow him to test the free-agent market. His continued performance and ability to stay healthy will be crucial in the Cowboys’ decision to either retain or move on from him.

4. Brandin Cooks (WR)

Brandin Cooks is another free agent who has had an impactful but somewhat quiet role in the Cowboys’ offense during the 2024 season. Cooks was brought in to provide an additional deep threat alongside CeeDee Lamb, and while he hasn’t posted the gaudy numbers he has in past seasons, he has been effective in stretching the field and providing Prescott with a reliable option in the passing game.

The question with Cooks is whether he fits into the Cowboys’ long-term plans. At 31 years old, Cooks may not be the future of the position, but he can still provide valuable veteran leadership and depth. The Cowboys will need to consider whether to bring him back on a short-term deal, allow him to explore free agency, or look for a younger, long-term solution at the wide receiver position.

5. Tyler Biadasz (C)

As the Cowboys’ starting center, Tyler Biadasz has played a crucial role in anchoring the offensive line over the past few seasons. He has been particularly important in helping to establish a solid running game for Pollard and the rest of the running back corps. Biadasz’s ability to protect Prescott and establish the line of scrimmage has been vital for the offense’s success.

However, with several key players set to become free agents, the Cowboys may face a tough decision regarding Biadasz’s future. Re-signing him would help maintain continuity along the offensive line, but they’ll need to weigh the value of doing so against the team’s salary cap situation. Given the rising cost of premium offensive line talent, Dallas will have to make a decision on whether to lock him in for the long haul or explore cheaper alternatives.

6. Jonathan Hankins (DT)

Jonathan Hankins has been a solid contributor to the Cowboys’ defensive line, providing depth and experience on the interior. He has been a valuable run-stopper and a veteran presence in the locker room. However, at 32 years old, Hankins may not be part of the Cowboys’ long-term defensive plans, especially with younger players like Mazi Smith continuing to develop.

The decision on Hankins will likely come down to whether the Cowboys feel they need to re-sign him for one more year of depth or if they want to go in a different direction, perhaps prioritizing younger players or looking for a more explosive pass-rushing presence inside.

Key Decisions and Financial Considerations

The Cowboys will enter the 2025 offseason with a relatively healthy salary cap situation, but they will need to balance their books carefully if they intend to re-sign key free agents like Tony Pollard and Rico Dowdle. The team has several potential extensions for their core players, including Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, which could impact their overall flexibility.

In addition to this, the Cowboys must consider the draft and whether they want to add depth at positions like running back, linebacker, or defensive tackle through rookie contracts. The 2025 free-agent class could provide some interesting opportunities for the Cowboys to bolster their roster with key contributors, but the team must approach this offseason with a clear vision for how to maximize their championship window.

The Future of Rico Dowdle and the Cowboys’ Free Agency Outlook

As the Cowboys enter the 2025 free-agent period, the decisions they make about their roster will be crucial for their future success. Rico Dowdle stands as one of the most intriguing free agents on the list, with his steady performances in a complementary role raising questions about his potential as a full-time contributor. The Cowboys’ ability to balance their financial commitments, add depth

through free agency, and make strategic re-signings will determine their success in 2025 and beyond.

Ultimately, Rico Dowdle’s future with the Cowboys will depend on whether the team values him as a long-term piece of their offensive puzzle, particularly as a key backup behind Tony Pollard. With the Cowboys needing to make tough decisions about many of their free agents, this offseason will shape the direction of the team for years to come.