It wouldn't have cost the Dallas Cowboys much.
But they let Rico Dowdle leave this offseason for the Carolina Panthers anyway.
Dowdle had just surpassed 1,000 yards in 2024 for Dallas, but his price was just $2.75 million for Carolina.
The Cowboys have done pretty well to have Javonte Williams from their own free agent signing (that cost more than Dowdle), but letting Dowdle leave hasn't aged well.
"Since entering the Carolina lineup in place of the injured Chuba Hubbard this season, Dowdle has been special," ESPN's Aaron Schatz wrote on Friday. "He has 149 carries for 788 yards and five touchdowns, which comes out as 5.3 yards per carry. He's third in RYOE per attempt behind only Indianapolis Colts' Jonathan Taylor, who is an MVP candidate, and James Cook III of the Buffalo Bills. DVOA has him fourth behind Taylor, Cook and Detroit Lions back Jahmyr Gibbs, even after a strong schedule adjustment for playing poor run defenses."
MORE: Drake Maye has put up stats never before matched in NFL history
No one expected this out of Dowdle. Last season, he ranked just 22nd in the RYOE per attempt stat that he now ranks third in.
The Panthers aren't exactly the most explosive offense, either. He's thriving with less talent around him than there was in Dallas.
Carolina is reaping the rewards of simply giving Dowdle a chance.
The tricky part will come after this season. How much will Dowdle be worth then?
Depends how special a give team really thinks he is.
More NFL news:
- Jameis Winston sings 'Hamilton' lyrics before first start with New York Giants
- Bills' new signee owns a dog that won the National Dog Show
- Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon played a critical role in Sauce Gardner trade
- Trying to explain the Drake 'Drake Maye' Maye meme
- Aaron Rodgers' retirement decision hangs in the balance for the Steelers
- There's a $42.5 million problem with Cardinals cutting Kyler Murray