Former Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle has signed a free agent contract with the Carolina Panthers. The Asheville native, who went undrafted out of South Carolina, is returning closer to home on a one-year deal worth up to $6 million.
Dowdle is guaranteed a minimum of $3 million. The story was first reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. The Panthers also issued a press release announcing the signing.
After entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2020, he became the Cowboys first running back to go from undrafted to rushing for more than 1,000 yards. He had a solid season in 2024, rushing for 1,079 yards.
It would be Dowdle's final season wearing the Star on his helmet.
Dowdle earned the right to start in 2024 after serving as a backup to Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard. Dowdle got a bulk of the carries last season and it paid off as it earned him a free agent contract for more money than he made in Dallas.
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The Cowboys added free agent running back Javonte Williams from the Denver Broncos on Wednesday to replace Dowdle as the lead back. Williams is No. 1 on the depth chart as of Wednesday. However, the Cowboys will bring in several other running backs either through free agency or the draft. It is virtually assured Williams will face stiff competition for the starting job.
Dowdle will join a backfield that features Chuba Hubbard who is coming off of a career high 1,195 yards. Jonathon Brooks also returns from an injury and will look to work his way back in the lineup.
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This story was originally published March 12, 2025 at 6:33 PM.