As the Carolina Panthers are nowhere near being a postseason contender this season, they could trade running back Rico Dowdle during the 2025 campaign. One source believes there’s a possibility that the Carolina Panthers may trade Dowdle, as he hasn’t been a significant contributor to the ground game either way. Originally selected as an undrafted rookie in 2020, the former South Carolina product signed a one-year deal with the Panthers after spending his entire four years with the Dallas Cowboys. The Panthers viewed him as a solid depth piece for Chuba Hubbard after recording 1,079 rushing yards in his last season with the Cowboys, but he hasn’t been able to live up to expectations in Carolina.
However, he still provides value even though he hasn’t been able to show it by just putting up 28 carries and tallying 103 yards, but the running back could be a viable backup for a team that needs depth. Dowdle isn’t a prime Alvin Kamara or any other top running back trade candidate like Breece Hall, but he could help reduce the workload for a team’s ground game. With the Panthers at 1-3, it doesn’t make sense to keep Dowdle until he becomes a free agent next offseason, and it would be better to get at least a late draft pick. It would benefit the future of this Panthers offense, and these three teams could consider offering a deal.
Breaking: Panthers Projected to Trade Former Undrafted Bust Rico Dowdle – 3 Suitors Emerge
Potential Destinations
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the most talented running back units in the league, but none of them have been able to stay on the same page with this offense. With Isiah Pacheco slowly losing his ability to be a downhill runner since his injury, and veteran Kareem Hunt slowing down with retirement on the horizon, it might be best for this offensive ground to find a temporary replacement. Dowdle isn’t going to be the permanent fix to the woes of the running back issue, but it gives some type of significant upgrade as a low-stakes investment.
Rookie Brashard Smith has finally shown that this ground game has some hope, but they need help to get this offense up to speed. While the headline has been the pass-attack and chemistry issues for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, they must position him in the right situation to give him a solid running unit, and Dowdle could easily be like Jerick McKinnon 2.0 if given the opportunity.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers might’ve suffered their first loss this year, but they’re not out of the playoff race. However, there are a few issues on offense that Jim Harbaugh can easily fix to support quarterback Justin Herbert. After losing Najee Harris for the rest of the season, they have yet to find a reliable replacement. Dowdle isn’t going to win the job over 2025 draft pick Omarion Hampton, but he could be lined up in situational moments to pick up the short passes.
Indianapolis Colts
The same case can be said about the Colts as they enter the week at 3-1. However, they have probably one of the best running backs in Jonathan Taylor. The team could use depth, and it doesn’t need to be anything special. Dowdle could find his role as a solid backup option in this changing offense that is already thriving out of nowhere, led by quarterback Daniel Jones.
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