Is the Cowboys’ 2025 starting running back already on the roster?

The starting running back for the Dallas Cowboys in 2024 may depart in free agency next month.

Many pundits, including this one, have called for Dallas to draft Rico Dowdle’s replacement. But is that player already on the roster?

In 2022, the Cowboys signed free agent running back Malik Davis out of Florida.

The former Gator has been back and forth between the active roster and the practice squad ever since.

Davis suited up for 12 games in his rookie season. He had 38 carries for 161 yards and a touchdown while catching six passes for 63 yards.

Five of those catches went for first downs.

In 2023, Davis saw action in three games as a special teams player only.

Last season, Davis was signed to a futures contract on Jan.18, 2024. At the end of training camp, he was cut and signed to the practice squad, where he remained all year.

Last month, Davis was again signed to a futures contract for a little over $1 million.

As was the case last year, he’ll be at camp fighting for a roster spot.

Only this time around, he might just have a clear path, not only to make the final roster, but to be the starter.

Roster Review 2025: Malik Davis. This is Part 8 of a series. Click here for a list of all related articles.

Outlook For 2025

If Dowdle does leave, the Cowboys would have only three running backs on the roster in any capacity. In addition to Davis, only Hunter Luepke and Deuce Vaughn remain under contract.

One would assume that drafting a running back would be high on the Cowboys’ to-do list in Green Bay at the end of April.

One would then review the recent bungling of the draft over the past few years by Jerry Jones and the front office and not assume anything.

If Dowdle isn’t brought back, the free agent crop at running back doesn’t look so good aside from Najee Harris and possibly J.K. Dobbins. Dowdle would be preferred over both of them.

As stated before on this site, if Dallas stays at 12 in the first round, and if he is still on the board, Ashton Jeanty has to be the pick.

If he isn’t, then the running back position must be addressed in the second round. Praying, of course, that there isn’t a run before Dallas drafts again.

If the Cowboys don’t draft, or sign a free agent, at running back, then Davis will likely have his best shot this fall and sticking on the roster.

It’s a small sample to judge by, but he is averaging over four yards a carry. Six of his 38 carries have resulted in first downs.

He caught six of the seven passes thrown his way for a 10.5 yards per catch average with 80% of his receptions going for first downs.

The potential seems to be there for Davis. His numbers at Florida, especially in his senior year, were also promising.

If he gets the chance, he very well could be the Cowboys’ next Tony Pollard.

Has a breakout season just in time to earn a huge pay raise. Either in Dallas or elsewhere.

Long-Term Outlook

Davis certainly should have his best shot this fall. As he will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this upcoming season, he has a chance to earn a big payday in 2026.

A new coaching staff, which appears to be more run-oriented than Mike McCarthy, could be his salvation. Not only in Dallas, but for his NFL career.

The 2025 season will definitely be his make-or-break year.

He’ll be 27 in November, not ancient by running back standards, especially with the limited mileage on his legs so far. But he’s getting closer to that 30-year mark when most running backs start to break down.

If he can’t make the roster this year, he might not make any NFL roster anywhere else.

Ever.