With the Carolina Panthers losing in the wild-card matchup, the team has several players it needs to retain, but free agent Rico Dowdle is likely a major name this upcoming offseason. After having one of the best resurgent campaigns as a downhill runner, Dowdle is coming off his worst game, and it doesn’t look like he’ll return. While the Panthers were committed to Dowdle as the starter for the first half of the season due to Chuba Hubbard’s injury recovery, Dowdle hasn’t been able to break 100 rushing yards in the past month.
Panthers Expected to Lose Top Free Agent Rico Dowdle After Wild Card Loss
Many thought that Dowdle would become the eventual long-term starter, as Hubbard was in several trade rumors. It might not happen anymore since the Panthers have investments in Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks, who is planning to slowly return to the lineup for the 2026 regular season. Carolina has been able to strengthen its defense this past offseason, and it’s time for them to turn their attention to its offense, and that will likely come at the expense of Dowdle.
Originally selected as an undrafted rookie, the running back had a solid season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2024. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough for Dowdle to keep his job, so he signed a one-year contract to help Hubbard in Bryce Young’s offense. Now, the running back has the leverage to sign a long-term contract and potentially become their No. 1 bell cow. However, it wouldn’t be a surprise if these teams decide to give Dowdle at least a two-year contract.
Potential Next Teams
Kansas City Chiefs
With Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco expected to hit the market, the Kansas City Chiefs plan to overhaul the ground game. It shouldn’t be surprising if the team decides to start a new regime, as they missed the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade. While the Chiefs have Brashard Smith waiting in the wings, they must address the running back position during free agency. The issue with them signing the best available free agent running back like Breece Hall is money.
Dowdle isn’t going to demand the No. 1 contract, but if the running back joins the Chiefs, then he should have a solid tenure with them as the long-term fix to this run game.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Meanwhile, the Jaguars will probably lose Travis Etienne in free agency once their season is done. After trading Tank Bigsby, there were assumptions that the Jaguars could retain Etienne in a new deal. Unfortunately for Etienne, it might not be the case in this situation. The Jaguars have two lightning bolts in LeQuint Allen Jr. and Bhayshul Tuten waiting for a larger role. If anything, the Jaguars could sign Dowdle to battle it out with the newer group of running backs.
Detroit Lions
The Lions’ 2025 season came to a sudden end after high hopes of returning to the playoffs. With Jahmyr Gibbs becoming the long-term answer for Jared Goff’s run game on this offense, this could allow the thought of trading David Montgomery. The backup running back has been linked to several trade rumors, and the Lions coaches have been teasing a departure. Detroit will need to address the void, and someone like Dowdle can help Gibbs as a red-zone runner.