2025 NFL free agency: Cowboys free agent Rico Dowdle signs with Panthers

Rico Dowdle is moving on from the Dallas Cowboys and joining the Carolina Panthers. According to Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer, the former Cowboys running back and the Panthers have agreed to a one-year contract. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network then said the contract is worth up to $6.25 million.

Shortly after the report, the Panthers announced they had agreed to terms with Rico Dowdle. He has ties to the area as he is from Asheville, North Carolina and played college football at the University of South Carolina.

The Panthers are getting a running back who had a strong 2024 season. Dowdle rushed for 1,079 yards and two touchdowns while catching 39 passes for 249 yards and three scores. His 1,328 yards from scrimmage was 20th in the NFL.

The Panthers were looking for another running back to complement Chuba Hubbard. They drafted Jonathon Brooks last year, but he is expected to miss most of the 2025 season due to a torn ACL. On Tuesday, the Panthers released running back Miles Sanders.

Rico Dowdle made history with the Cowboys in 2024

Last year, Dowdle became the first Cowboys undrafted free agent to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. “Definitely felt good, definitely a landmark I wanted to hit,” Dowdle said in December, per the Cowboys’ official website. “Wish it was a different outcome with the fumble, but definitely satisfying reaching that landmark.”

Dowdle reached 1,000 yards the same day Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley reached the 2,000-yard mark. When asked about Barkley, Dowdle said he appreciated what he’s done for the running back community.

“He’s setting the standard right now and doing what he’s supposed to do, and he’s had a great season,” Dowdle said. “Think he’s probably around 60-something away from the record, so hope he can do that. That helps everybody out in the running-back world, so definitely a lot of appreciation with what he’s doing.”

Rico Dowdle signed with the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He became the starting RB in 2024 and was one of the more consistent offensive players on the roster. The Panthers are hoping Dowdle and Hubbard become one of the top RB duos in the NFL for the 2025 season.