This Carolina Panthers playmaker is almost surely a goner based on this latest prediction.
Last offseason, the Carolina Panthers signed running back Rico Dowdle to a one-year contract to serve as Chuba Hubbard's backup.
Well, Dowdle ended up kind of, sort of stealing Hubbard's job.
Midway through the season, Hubbard got injured, and Dowdle stepped in and dominated, posting several monster performances and finishing the year with 1,076 yards and six touchdowns on 4.6 yards per carry.
Dowdle is now headed toward free agency, and while the Panthers would surely like to have him back for 2026, it doesn't seem all that feasible.
Pro Football Focus recently ranked the top free agents for this offseason and provided contract predictions for the top 50. Dowdle was ranked 16th and was projected to land a two-year, $17 million deal.
"Dowdle replicated his final season in Dallas during his lone year with the Carolina Panthers, further establishing himself as a capable starting running back at the NFL level," PFF wrote. "While he is not a true game-breaker, he has averaged more than 3.0 yards after contact per carry over his career and profiles as a strong fit for a team with a solid offensive line."
Rico Dowdle. Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images.Dowdle also said himself that he is hoping for a larger role next season, meaning that his days with the Panthers have likely come to a close.
Now, it should also be noted that the 27-year-old faded considerably down the stretch of 2025, averaging well under four yards per attempt in seven of his last nine games (including playoffs). In fact, he logged under three yards per tote four times throughout that span.
Dowdle is definitely a solid player and was a revelation for Carolina this year, but it simply would not make sense for the Panthers to pay him that much when they have so many pressing issues up and down their roster.
The University of South Carolina product began his career with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020 and spent four seasons there, finally breaking out with 1,079 rushing yards in 2024.
Some team out there will surely give Dowdle a nice contract in free agency, but it almost certainly won't be Carolina. That's especially considering the Panthers also have Trevor Etienne waiting in the wings.