FRISCO – It is a credit to Rico Dowdle that he did everything right along the path to this point, where he is a “name” free agent coming off a 1,000-yard rushing season for the Dallas Cowboys – all after working and waiting and then making the most of his turn.

So what comes next?

One of the areas on the roster the Cowboys will need to prioritize through the offseason will be their backfield. Dallas struggled the majority of the season to find a consistent run game, a blemish that must change moving forward.

They entered the 2024 campaign focused on a two-pronged approach centered around Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott. Halfway through the season, Elliott essentially lost his spot in the rotation and that facet of the offense dialed in on the usage of Dowdle.

Dowdle reached 1,000 yards on the season and that remains a credit to his determination after grinding for an opportunity several years on the practice squad.

His successes make him a viable option for the Cowboys to bring him back, but a price too high could see him walk elsewhere in free agency.

To that end, CowboysCountry.com has learned that the front office plans to meet with Dowdle’s agent, David Canter, on Friday in Indianapolis.

What’s Rico’s goal?

“We’re prepared to try to make it happen,” Canter said of a way for Dowdle to stay in Dallas. “If there is a will, we believe there is a way.”

The “way” is about money, of course. Last year, Rico played for $1.225 million – a bargain.

Now? Projections range from anywhere between $4 million and $8 million per season.

The higher the bidding goes, the more likely the Cowboys bow out.

If that is the case, Dallas must either draft a running back or find one elsewhere across the league.

Immediately Ashton Jeanty comes to mind when thinking of draft prospects. The Frisco native comes off a record season at Boise State and is one of the highly touted offensive players in this year’s class.

If not through the draft, the Cowboys could trade for a running back. We have identified Breece Hall as a potential option as the New York Jets’ young star could be shopped this offseason.

Question: Would Cowboys fans rather trade for Hall, draft Jeanty or sign Rico?

The Cowboys are unlikely to close on a deal for Rico this weekend. But the process will begin … and the Dallas front office has promised that all avenues will be explored.