Former South Carolina running back Rico Dowdle is coming off a career year. With the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, he ran for over 1000 yards and logged over 1300 yards from scrimmage. His big season has earned him a new contract in NFL free agency. According to the organization, Dowdle is signing a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers. The deal could be worth just over $6 Million.
With the Panthers, Dowdle will partner with Chuba Hubbard to form an interesting one-two punch in Charlotte. Hubbard signed an extension with the Panthers during the latter portion of the 2024 season.
He also will reunite with former Gamecock teammates Jaycee Horn, DJ Wonnum, and Xavier Legette and fellow former USC star Jadeveon Clowney. Earlier this free agency, Horn became the highest-paid defensive back in pro football history.
Former South Carolina running back Rico Dowdle is coming off a career year with the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, where he ran for over 1,000 yards and accumulated more than 1,300 yards from scrimmage. His impressive performance, marked by consistency and explosiveness, helped solidify his status as one of the league’s up-and-coming running backs. Dowdle’s breakout season didn’t go unnoticed, as it caught the attention of NFL teams seeking to bolster their backfields.
In the 2025 NFL free agency period, Dowdle has earned a new contract, signing a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers. The contract is reportedly worth just over $6 million, offering him an opportunity to continue building on his success with a fresh start in Carolina. The Panthers, looking to strengthen their running game, view Dowdle as a key piece to help lead their offense in the upcoming season.
With his blend of speed, vision, and versatility, Dowdle is expected to make an immediate impact on the Panthers’ roster. As he transitions to a new team, the former Gamecock is looking to build on his stellar 2024 campaign and continue proving himself as one of the NFL’s rising stars in the backfield.
