The Carolina Panthers' running back situation has received a surprising update before NFL free agency.
The general consensus is that Rico Dowdle will be leaving the Carolina Panthers in free agency this offseason after seeing his touches drop toward the end of 2025.
The Panthers are also expected to find a veteran replacement for Dowdle to complement Chuba Hubbard in the backfield, much like they did last year when they signed Dowdle to a one-year contract.
However, ESPN's Dan Graziano is not so sure that Carolina will be signing a running back once free agency begins next week.
"If the Panthers lose running back Rico Dowdle in free agency, I don't think they'll rush to find an external replacement," Graziano wrote. "They have Chuba Hubbard under contract, they like second-year back Trevor Etienne's promise and they're optimistic on 2024 second-round pick Jonathon Brooks, who has played only three games in his career because of injuries."
Carolina signed Hubbard to a four-year, $33 million extension in November 2024. That season, Hubbard racked up 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 4.8 yards per carry, so it looked like the Panthers had found their clear No. 1 back.
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard. Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images.That was what made Carolina's decision to sign Dowdle last March rather puzzling.
However, Hubbard struggled in 2025, dealing with a calf injury early in the campaign that essentially cost him his starting job midway through.
The 26-year-old finished with just 511 yards and a touchdown on 3.8 yards per attempt this past year, which has many anticipating that the Panthers will be on the hunt for another halfback this offseason.
But Etienne did show some promise in brief action during his rookie season, and Carolina absolutely loved Brooks when it selected him a couple of years ago. Of course, he has barely seen the field due to persistent knee issues.
The Panthers currently have $10.3 million in cap room heading into free agency. They could open up some more money by cutting some players and restructuring contracts, but they may not wish to spend any cash on another running back when they have plenty of other more pressing needs.
Carolina went 8-9 this past season, which was enough to win the NFC South. But it's clear that the Panthers still have work to do.
Panthers Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Panthers. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.