Rico Dowdle
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Rico Dowdle could replace Aaron Jones in Minnesota.
As the Minnesota Vikings parted ways with running back Aaron Jones Sr., the purple could replace him with another seasoned but younger running back in free agency.
That’s 1,000-yard rusher Rico Dowdle, who played for the Carolina Panthers in 2025. USA Today’s Vikings Wire writer Andrew Harbaugh floated the idea among his five suggested options for the Vikings at running back.
“Rico Dowdle came in like a wrecking ball for the Panthers when he was given a chance to do so in 2025,” Harbaugh wrote. “He racked up 1,076 rushing yards and averaged 4.6 yards per carry and was a major reason his team won the NFC South. Dowdle could make the same impact for the Vikings if they decide to bring him in and could be the lead back ahead of Mason if they wanted.”
Jordan Mason remains the top running back on the Vikings roster at the moment. Mason had 758 yards and six touchdowns on 159 carries last season, but he has never eclipsed 789 yards as Dowdle has twice.
Rico Dowdle Could Be a Find For Vikings
Dowdle has back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons between the Panthers and Dallas Cowboys, as he emerged as a feature back during his time in Dallas. He has 2,540 yards and 10 touchdowns on 567 carries in his five-year career.
As a pass catcher, Dowdle adds a spark with 95 catches for 690 yards and six touchdowns. Dowdle helped Panthers quarterback Bryce Young last season as the back caught 39 passes for 297 yards and one touchdown.
A reliable back such as Dowdle could fill the void left by Jones and give whoever starts for the Vikings at quarterback, J.J. McCarthy or someone else, a quality rusher and pass catcher in the backfield. He had a one-year, $2.75 million deal with the Panthers last season, so the Vikings may not have to pay too much more in free agency this year.
4 Other RB Options For Vikings
Harbaugh highlighted four other running back options for the Vikings besides Dowdle, whether through free agency or the draft.
If the Vikings couldn’t land Dowdle, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell would also make sense. Gainwell had a career year with the Steelers in the shadow of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver DK Metcalf.
“No one shocked folks more in 2025 with his production and usage than Kenneth Gainwell with the Steelers,” Harbaugh wrote. “He had a whopping 187 touches and set career highs in rushing attempts and receptions. He showed he can handle a large workload and be a flexible option out of the backfield, and could be someone who would be fun to see help out J.J. McCarthy.”
If Minnesota goes the draft route, Harbaugh suggests the Vikings go with Penn State’s Nick Singleton, Washington’s Jonah Coleman, or Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price. Any of them could make an impact right away, and Price particularly adds an extra dimension.
“Price is a dual-threat out of the backfield, but he also is arguably the best return man in the 2026 NFL Draft,” Harbaugh wrote. “Adding someone who can affect the game in so many ways to a team looking to create scoring opportunities for a dominant defense just makes too much sense.”
As for Singleton, Harbaugh highlighted his explosiveness, but noted his foot injury. Coleman excels at both rushing and catching passes, and Harbaugh called him a “seamless fit” with youth.