Carolina Panthers GM Dan Morgan was asked to talk about Rico Dowdle's future with the franchise.
Carolina Panthers RB Rico Dowdle becomes an unrestricted free agent when the new league year starts in March.
At the NFL combine in Indianapolis, Panthers President of Football Operations and General Manager Dan Morgan said the door is open for Dowdle to return.
Dowdle had a fantastic 2025 season with the Panthers. He put up 1,076 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns, 297 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown in 17 games.
Carolina made the playoffs, losing to the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round.
A South Carolina product, Dowdle has been one of the most productive players at his position the last two years. He has 2,155 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns, 546 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns with the Dallas Cowboys and Panthers.
According to Joseph Person of The Athletic, the Panthers "have interest in bringing back Dowdle at the right price." Dowdle, though, wants to go to a team where he'll get the bulk of the carries after sharing the backfield with Chuba Hubbard last season.
It will be intriguing to see where Dowdle is playing next season. The odds of him returning to the Panthers are low since Carolina has Hubbard.
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report believes the Kansas City Chiefs can sign Dowdle "at a modest price" this offseason. The Chiefs are $11.4 million over the cap threshold. They can restructure Chris Jones' deal to save $22.5 million.
With about $11 million in salary-cap resources, they can make a competitive offer to Dowdle, who has 10 rushing touchdowns in his career on 567 carries.
The Panthers appear to be building around QB Bryce Young and WR Tetairoa McMillan, who won the 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. Since Hubbard is younger than Dowdle, don't be surprised if Carolina doesn't make a competitive offer to keep Dowdle.
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