News Summary
The Carolina Panthers have signed former Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle to a one-year contract worth $2.75 million, with potential incentives. This move aims to bolster the team’s backfield following an injury to rookie Jonathon Brooks. Dowdle, who had a breakout season rushing for nearly 1,100 yards, will team up with Chuba Hubbard to enhance the Panthers’ ground game. As a local hero from Asheville, his addition brings both skill and community pride to the team during their roster reconstruction efforts.
CHARLOTTE, NC – The Carolina Panthers have signed former Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle to a one-year contract. The deal comes with a base salary of $2.75 million, with the potential to earn over $6 million through various performance incentives. This move aims to strengthen the Panthers’ backfield following an ACL injury to rookie Jonathon Brooks, who is expected to miss most of the upcoming season.
Dowdle, a native of Asheville, North Carolina, is set to turn 27 before the start of the 2025 NFL season. His signing marks a significant addition for the Panthers, particularly as they look to improve after last year’s disappointing performance, which included a historically poor defensive record. The team is currently focused on reconstructing its roster and enhancing its overall performance.
In the 2024 NFL season, Dowdle enjoyed a breakout year, rushing for nearly 1,100 yards and scoring five total touchdowns. His performance allowed him to surpass three-time Pro Bowler Ezekiel Elliott, claiming the position of starting running back early in the season. Dowdle concluded the year with a total of 1,328 yards from scrimmage, placing him 20th among all players in the league.
The Panthers anticipate that Dowdle will form a strong running back duo alongside Chuba Hubbard. Both running backs are coming off impressive seasons, each finishing with over 1,000 rushing yards. This combination is expected to bolster the Panthers’ ground game in the upcoming season.
Dowdle’s journey to the NFL has been remarkable. After a successful college career at the University of South Carolina, where he started 29 games and accumulated significant rushing statistics—including eight 100-yard games—he went undrafted in 2020. Dowdle signed with the Cowboys and made history in 2024 by becoming the first undrafted player in the Cowboys’ history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season.
The Panthers’ decision to bring in Dowdle follows their recent moves in the backfield; they released running back Miles Sanders this offseason and opted not to retain Raheem Blackshear. This development further emphasizes the team’s commitment to revitalizing its roster and improving its offensive capabilities.
As a high school standout at A.C. Reynolds High School, Dowdle amassed an impressive career, scoring 48 rushing touchdowns during his senior year. He remains a local hero in Asheville, known for his character and community involvement, as praised by his former high school coach.
Dowdle’s familiarity with the offensive line’s dynamics is seen as a key asset as he transitions to the Panthers. Having trained with the Cowboys, he brings valuable insights into how to leverage the strengths of the Panthers’ offensive line, which will be crucial in executing the team’s offensive strategy.
Overall, the addition of Rico Dowdle brings a mix of local pride and significant potential to the Carolina Panthers’ roster. As fans react positively to his return to North Carolina, expectations are high for what he can contribute to the team as it seeks to turn around its fortunes in the upcoming season.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Carolina Panthers Official News
- WBTV News
- Charlotte Observer
- Lone Star Live
- Wikipedia: Rico Dowdle
- Google Search: Rico Dowdle NFL
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
