Free agency is just days away, and one prominent analyst believes the Kansas City Chiefs could make a move for impending free agent running back Rico Dowdle. Originally entering the league as an undrafted free agent, Dowdle spent his early years as a backup before breaking out in 2024 with the Dallas Cowboys. He proved that his 1,000-yard performance was no fluke in 2025, as he signed a modest one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers and quickly took over as the top back in the offense. Replacing Chuba Hubbard as the starter, the South Carolina product finished the season with 1,076 yards and six touchdowns on 236 attempts.
Now set to reach the open market, Rico Dowdle will likely have a decent amount of suitors in free agency. While he won’t receive the same level of interest as guys like Kenneth Walker or Breece Hall, Dowdle makes perfect sense for a team that needs a new running back but doesn’t have the money to spend big on a premium option. This makes the Kansas City Chiefs a logical target, and Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton believes they could make a move for his services.
“Despite his recent production, Dowdle won’t garner as much attention as the household names with accolades and early-round draft pedigrees,” Moton writes. “He may be available at a modest price, making him an ideal fit for the Kansas City Chiefs.”
Chiefs Projected to Sign Running Back Rico Dowdle
It’s easy to see why the Chiefs are connected to Rico Dowdle. Kansas City has quietly been looking for a starting-caliber running back since the original Kareem Hunt days, and they have yet to find a great option. First-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire was a bust, and seventh-round pick Isiah Pacheco was nothing special. With him and a well-past-his-prime Kareem Hunt now headed for unrestricted free agency, nobody should be too surprised if the team resets the running back depth chart.
Unfortunately, they probably don’t have the money to go after the top options on the market. The team is currently over the salary cap, while they could create space with some restructures, they still don’t project as big spenders. Kenneth Walker, Breece Hall, and Travis Etienne will probably be the top options on the market, which means Dowdle probably won’t earn a major payday. This is good news for the Chiefs, as he’ll likely be in their price range.
Will the Panthers Let Him Walk?
Of course, the Panthers have exclusive negotiating rights with Rico Dowdle until the legal tampering period begins, so they could sign him before the Chiefs ever get the chance. However, Hubbard is still under contract and carries a $7.46 million cap hit, and it’s hard to envision Carolina spending big on two separate veteran running backs. Additionally, the team still has second-round pick Jonathon Brooks under contract, who has all the potential in the world if he can stay healthy.
Chances are, Dowdle will reach the open market, and the Chiefs should be interested in his services. While they won’t be the only team pursuing the veteran, this fit would make all the sense in the world.
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