The Carolina Panthers are expected to make some key moves this offseason, but they’ll have to be creative in creating some cap space so those moves can happen.

That means some tough decisions will need to be made on players that are set to be free agents when the new league year begins next week.

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One decision that likely won’t be difficult is letting running back Rico Dowdle walk in free agency.

ESPN says Rico Dowdle is the Panthers free agent most likely on the move this offseason

Dowdle had one of the best seasons of his career in 2025, rushing for 1,076 yards and six touchdowns while catching 39 passes for a career high 297 yards.

The former South Carolina standout, however, is unlikely to return to Charlotte in 2026.

“He wasn’t happy with his decline in reps late in a season in which he led Carolina in rushing (1,076 yards),” wrote ESPN’s David Newton. “It is unlikely that Dowdle returns because Chuba Hubbard is locked in with a significant four-year deal that he signed in 2024, and 2024 second-round pick Jonathon Brooks is expected back from an ACL injury.”

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Dowdle said after the season ended that his reduction in carries will impact his free agency decision.

“That definitely is a factor,” said Dowdle. “There’s options for me. I just want to be a guy who can go out there and just get the bulk [of the carries].”

Dowdle had a couple of massive games for the Panthers in 2025 — including 206 rushing yards against the Miami Dolphins and 186 rushing yards against the Dallas Cowboys in back to back weeks — but his usage was inconsistent near the end of the season (he received just five carries in Carolina’s playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams).

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As a result, it appears Dowdle will be playing elsewhere in 2026.

Related: ESPN names the Panthers as the best free agent fit for a player that would instantly bring a much-needed edge to Carolina

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This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Mar 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.