How the Green Bay Packers‘ backfield takes shape ahead of and during free agency is going to be one of the team’s most compelling offseason storylines.
Veteran Josh Jacobs has developed into a vital piece of head coach Matt LaFleur’s offense, and quarterback Jordan Love’s supporting cast, rushing for 2,257 yards and 18 touchdowns across his two seasons in Green Bay.
But, whether it is to add a complement to limit the wear and tear on the 28-year-old rushing champion, or as a replacement given the Packers can create $8.29 million in cap space by releasing the veteran back, running back could be an area general manager Brian Gutekunst goes shopping for in free agency.
Could the Packers be an ideal destination for Rico Dowdle?
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt Lafleur runs off of the field after a game against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Ravens won the game, 41-24.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Former Carolina Panthers running back, and impending free agent Rico Dowdle could be a fascinating target for the Packers.
Over at Packers on SI, Bill Huber argues that Dowdle could be a name to watch for Green Bay in free agency.
“Dowdle rushed for 1,079 yards (4.6 average) and caught 39 passes for the Cowboys in 2024,” Huber writes of Dowdle. “And rushed for 1,076 yards (4.6 average) and caught 39 passes for the Panthers in 2025. His 13.1 missed-tackle percentage ranked 37th.”
While Dowdle may have played his way into a starting role somewhere after his strong season in Carolina, the Packers and the chance to win a ring as a complementary piece could be a destination he could be drawn to.
Whether as a high-end insurance policy for Jacobs or a more cost-effective lead back, Dowdle’s back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons suggest he could provide the exact blend of reliability and explosiveness the Packers need to keep their championship window wide open around Love.