Getty
Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle runs against the Los Angeles Rams during a November 30, 2025 game.
The Washington Commanders, in order to build a complete offense, could look to add a veteran running back. CBS Sports analyst Emory Hunt thinks former Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle would fit into the Washington backfield and its plans.
“I think he can be the guy in Washington. I love the fact that you pair a guy that has that level of burst and explosiveness with an athletic, explosive quarterback, because we’ve seen this all throughout history—anytime you pair a mobile quarterback with a tailback or an explosive back, they have their best seasons.”
Days after the 2020 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys signed Dowdle as an undrafted free agent. During his first four seasons, Dowdle served as a backup running back and kick returner. Finally, in 2024, he ascended the depth chart, rushing for 1,079 yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, he added three rushing touchdowns.
Rolling the dice, Dowdle accepted a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers. Dowdle started 11 games after starter Chuba Hubbard missed time with an injury. In 15 starts, the 27-year-old rushed for 1,076 yards and six touchdowns, adding 39 catches. With Hubbard’s return to the lineup, Dowdle saw his role diminished. The last five games saw a decline in snaps. Dowdle mentioned that as the impetus for leaving Charlotte.
Now, as a free agent, he could be a low-cost, high-output player that gives the Commanders offense a bit of diversity. As a running back, Dowdle gets downhill with a blend of power and explosion. Yet he has enough speed to reach the boundary, gaining chunk yardage.
In Washington’s offense, Dowdle would work alongside the most athletic quarterback he’s had. Now, Dak Prescott and Bryce Young are mobile, but Daniels, when healthy, provides a game-breaking element that adds depth to the running game. Teams would have to make sure the edgesetter chooses wisely. If he crashes down on Dowdle, Daniels can pull the ball and escape through the abandoned boundary.
GettyCarolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle runs onto teh field.
Dowdle Could Arrive for a Perceived Discount, but Not Cheaply
Last season with the Panthers, Dowdle earned $5.5 million. Spotrac projects him to sign a contract with an AAV of $6.54 million. If you compare that salary to other starting running backs’ current deals, the projected amount would place the rusher at the No. 18 spot. For a team that also needs to plug holes at wideout, linebacker, pass rusher, and the secondary, Dowdle brings a prudent investment to the fold.
GettyCarolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle during a January 10, 2026 game aginst the Los Angeles Rams.
Adding a Running Back Extends Grace Period for Jayden Daniels and Dan Quinn
After a 5-12 record, pressure to win arises for both Daniels and Quinn. The quarterback, like many first-rounders, must look towards the second contract. The current going rate for starting quarterbacks is $30 million. Nothing helps a quarterback succeed like a strong running game.
With Dowdle leading the running back room, Daniels could rely on the threat of a run game to unleash a play action. What offensive coordinator David Blough seeks for Terry McLaurin becomes more of a possibility. Under those circumstances, Quinn’s set could become less heated as the Commanders attempt to return to the playoffs.
Terrance Biggs Terrance started at heavy.com in January 2026
He is a veteran sportswriter with 12 years of experience, covering NFL, College, and MLB. Terrance has held positions at Sports Illustrated and Pro Football Sports Network. A graduate of Fort Hays State University with a bachelor’s in Communication, he is also a voting member of the Football Writers Association of America, United States Basketball Writers Association and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. More about Terrance Biggs
More Heavy on Commanders
Loading more stories