Bengals’ Potential Move for Rico Dowdle
The Cincinnati Bengals, a team with various needs to address in the 2025 offseason, have unexpectedly emerged as a potential landing spot for Rico Dowdle, the breakout running back from the Dallas Cowboys. Despite having a solid running back lineup, the Bengals seem to be considering adding Dowdle to their roster, sparking speculation and raising questions about Zack Moss’s future with the team.
Bengals’ Running Back Situation
In 2025, the Bengals find themselves in a favorable position regarding their running back corps. Chase Brown has proven his worth as a valuable asset, impressing in his second season with the team. Additionally, Zack Moss remains under contract for another year, forming a strong duo with Brown.
Speculation Surrounding Rico Dowdle
Jonathan Fuller of Fantasy Life has suggested that the Bengals might pursue Rico Dowdle from the Dallas Cowboys, who enjoyed a breakout season recently. With the Bengals juggling needs on defense and contract extensions for star wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the idea of adding Dowdle as a versatile back to complement Brown has been floated. Dowdle’s performance in 2024, where he showcased career-high stats in various categories, has undoubtedly caught the Bengals’ attention.
Analyzing the Potential Move
The prospect of signing Dowdle raises questions about Moss’s future with the Bengals. Moss, whose 2024 season was cut short due to injury, could potentially be released with a manageable dead-cap hit of $1.5 million, offering the team significant savings. However, signing Dowdle could offset these savings, leading to a complex financial situation for the Bengals.
Likely Outcome
Unless Dowdle is considered a substantial upgrade over Moss, it seems improbable that the Bengals would part ways with Moss. The team’s focus is likely to be on retaining Moss and exploring other avenues to strengthen the roster. Should the Bengals decide to move on from Moss, any savings accrued from his departure would likely be allocated to addressing more pressing needs rather than investing heavily in the running back position.
In conclusion, while the potential addition of Rico Dowdle to the Bengals’ roster has sparked excitement and speculation, the team’s decision regarding Zack Moss and its overall offseason strategy will play a crucial role in shaping their roster for the upcoming season.
