Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle is a free agent for the second time in as many seasons, as the former special teams standout proved beyond any reasonable doubt that he’s a starting-caliber running back in today’s NFL. After earning just 96 attempts through his first four seasons, Dowdle originally broke out with the Dallas Cowboys in 2024. Rushing for over 1,000 yards, the South Carolina product signed with Carolina as a backup but quickly earned starting duties.
Following yet another 1,000-yard season, Rico Dowdle joins a free agent class overflowing with talent at the running back position. The veteran won’t fetch the same type of salary as guys like Breece Hall and Kenneth Walker, but several teams across the league should be interested in signing the reliable veteran.
Top 3 Rico Dowdle Free Agent Destinations, Ranked
3. Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have bigger needs than running back, but it’s still a position they should look to address in the coming weeks. Isiah Pacheco is a free agent himself, and the former seventh-round pick hasn’t done enough in the past two seasons to justify an extension. Head coach Andy Reid was once famous for having one of the most running-back-friendly schemes in football, but he hasn’t had a player capable of filling a three-down role in years. Rico Dowdle may not be prime Kareem Hunt, but he’d easily be the best back this team has had since the 2018 season. Given the injury to Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs should try to upgrade the rushing attack and make life easier for their superstar quarterback.
2. Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Chargers first-round pick Omarion Hampton had a promising rookie season, although the UNC product battled injuries throughout the season. Backup Kimani Vidal played well in his absence, but a run-obsessed coach like Jim Harbaugh probably wants to add more of a proven commodity to the room. Rico Dowdle is good enough to start if the need arises, but not so good that he’d keep Hampton sidelined indefinitely. A player like Dowdle is exactly what the Chargers need, and his contract shouldn’t prevent the team from spending big to improve the interior offensive line.
1. Houston Texans
The Houston Texans enter the offseason in a tough position. While their defense is elite, the offense needs some serious work. C.J. Stroud is not an elite quarterback, which means he needs near-perfect conditions to guide this team to the promised land. While the receivers are good, the offensive line is a disaster and running back Woody Marks is better in a supporting role. Rico Dowdle could be a cost-effective free agent signing that can start at a moment’s notice, but will still allow the team to prioritize improvements along the offensive line.
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