ESPN's David Newton doesn't expect free agent RB Rico Dowdle to return to the Panthers. "Unless Dowdle wants to return at a bargain price, he appears headed to his third team in three seasons," Newton wrote via ESPN.
After Carolina lost in the postseason, Dowdle admitted that his workload potential will be a factor in where he signs next. The former Cowboy saw workhorse usage for part of the 2025 season, including games of 26 and 34 touches with Chuba Hubbard sidelined.
But he saw only nine touches in Week 18 and six in the postseason loss to the Rams.
"That [workload] definitely is a factor,'' Dowdle said via ESPN. "There's options for me. I just want to be a guy who can go out there and just get the bulk [of the carries].''
The Panthers have some backfield options if they choose to move on from Dowdle.
Hubbard is scheduled to return for his age-27 season. Carolina inked him to a multi-year extension just over one year ago. His 2024 momentum never carried over, though. Hubbard's yards per carry dropped a full yard. And his carries dropped from 250 to 134 in the same number of games (15).
The team should get Jonathon Brooks back from a second right ACL tear. There’s at least a chance he plays his way into the backfield mix.
The Panthers also return Trevor Etienne, a Round 4 pick from the 2025 draft. His rookie season concluded with only 23 touches in nine games.
We’ll see about a potential draft pick or free agent move for Carolina. As for Dowdle, he should be able to find part-time work in 2026, especially with the rookie class appearing thin at RB.
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