Panthers Add Rico Dowdle

2025 Fantasy Football Impact

Dowdle seemed to deliver a breakout season in 2024, with 1,079 rushing yards and an RB23 PPR finish despite opening the year splitting work with Ezekiel Elliott.

That he had to settle for a one-year pact with a team that has already committed to Chuba Hubbard, though -- and didn't get a new contract from Dallas -- says that he fell short of impressing.

Dowdle's role in Carolina is capped at No. 2. The Panthers are paying Hubbard $8.3 million a year on a four-year extension he signed in November.

Second-year RB Jonathon Brooks re-tore his right ACL in Week 14, though, and isn't a great bet to see the field much in 2025.

So there's handcuff upside to Dowdle ... as long as Carolina doesn't draft anyone better.

Dynasty Impact

Treat Dowdle as no more than a handcuff for dynasty purposes. He'll turn 27 in June and doesn't look like a good candidate for a multi-year deal at any point.

Other Winners & Losers

Hubbard's at least a minor winner. Carolina could have added a stronger No. 2 given Brooks' issues. Barring a high-upside RB in the draft, this is a positive move.