Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle (23) runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Carolina Panthers have signed running back Rico Dowdle, one day after releasing Miles Sanders, the team announced on Wednesday.
It’s a one-year deal with up to $6.25 million, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
Dowdle had a breakout year in 2024 with the Dallas Cowboys, starting 15 of 16 games, and rushing for 1,079 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught 39 passes for 249 yards and three touchdowns. His 1,328 yards from scrimmage was the 20th-most in the NFL.
Dowdle is an Asheville native, attending A.C. Reynolds High School before playing at the University of South Carolina.
The Panthers were in the market for another running back after releasing Sanders on Tuesday.
Carolina will be without running back Jonathon Brooks for most of the year after tearing his ACL in December. Brooks was taken in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Texas.
Chuba Hubbard will return as Carolina’s starting running back in 2025 after signing a four-year extension in November. The only other running back on the roster is 23-year-old Emani Bailey.
