- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 788,655
- Reaction score
- 53
You must be registered for see images attach
Why did Rico Dowdle leave the Cowboys? Panthers RB aims to make Dallas regret free agency decision originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Most "revenge game" narratives are more of a media creation than a true vendetta, but for RB Rico Dowdle, his first matchup against his former team is personal.
Dowdle told the to "buckle up" ahead of Week 6, after Dowdle wasn't retained on the heels of a 1,000-yard rushing season.
While Dowdle had to settle for a complementary role in Carolina, he broke through in Week 5 with 206 yards and a touchdown on the ground in place of Chuba Hubbard. With Hubbard out again in Week 6, Dowdle took center stage against his former team.
Here's what you need to know about Dowdle's exit from Dallas in free agency.
NFL HQ:Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule
Why did Rico Dowdle leave the Cowboys?
Dowdle had a strong season for the Cowboys in 2024, rushing for 1,039 yards on 4.6 yards per carry after Tony Pollard left for the , and he even made an impact as a pass-catcher with 249 yards and three touchdowns through the air.
The Cowboys, however, didn't even make an offer to Dowdle, according to NFL Network's Colleen Wolfe. Dallas instead chose to sign Javonte Williams for about the same price as Dowdle, giving Williams a one-year, $3 million deal while Dowdle signed a one-year, $2.75 million deal with Carolina.
Dallas may have been concerned about Dowdle's ability to sustain that production, given it was his first season making such a high impact. A coaching change may have also contributed to the decision, as head coach Brian Schottenheimer received the keys to the offense that was led by Mike McCarthy in 2024.
While Schottenheimer was part of McCarthy's staff as offensive coordinator, he said the team "fell in love" with Williams ahead of free agency. "Rico was a guy that we considered keeping, and we kind of fell in love with Javonte," Schottenheimer told reporters.
With Williams locked in, the Cowboys passed on giving Dowdle a contract, forcing Dowdle to settle for a complementary role behind Hubbard with the Panthers.
MORE NFL: How Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold went from Panthers castoffs to starts for Buccaneers, Seahawks
What did Rico Dowdle say about the Cowboys?
Dowdle made it clear before Sunday's game that a matchup with the Cowboys was especially meaningful for him.
"They got to buckle up," Dowdle said of the Cowboys after his explosive day against the in Week 5. "I think they know for sure. They didn't keep me there for five years for no reason."
MORE: How many teams Brian Schoettenheimer has coached in NFL career
Schottenheimer took the high road, but he accepted Dowdle's challenge.
"It’ll be good to see Rico this weekend," Schottenheimer told reporters. "I know we’re going to have to buckle up, he said. So we’ll bring our seat belts, Rico. Buckle up."
The showdown was officially set once Hubbard was ruled out with an injury, and Dowdle showed out with a touchdown on Sunday as part of a productive day against his former team.
If he keeps up his strong play, Dowdle could cut into Hubbard's touches when healthy and position himself for a bigger payday in free agency after a quiet trip to the open market in 2025.
Continue reading...
