By James BrizuelaShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberRico Dowdle is currently experiencing a breakout season with the Carolina Panthers. After signing a one-year deal to serve as the backup for Chuba Hubbard, Dowdle has emerged as the RB1 option. Despite his spectacular year, the longtime veteran has dropped a concerning update about his future with the team.
More news: Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Brutally Honest on Trevon Diggs’ 2025 Season
Dowdle began to make waves in Week 5 when he secured 206 yards against the Miami Dolphins. Despite that being seen as more of a fluke, he answered back with 183 yards against the Dallas Cowboys.
Each game, it appeared that Dowdle was starting to not only earn his keep, but he also emerged as a three-down back. So far, he has picked up 833 yards and five touchdowns on the ground, along with 197 yards and one touchdown through the air.
After weeks of speculation, Dowdle was named the starting running back in Week 9 after splitting carries with Hubbard. Considering the Panthers are on the rise, especially due to the running back's stellar year, he has revealed that the team has not yet contacted his representation on a new deal.
Loading twitter content...
Per ESPN's David Newton, Dowdle spoke candidly about whether he hasn't been approached to continue his career with the Panthers. Dowdle hit Newton with a resounding "No" when asked if the organization has discussed an extension.
...More news: 49ers Insider Paints Grim Picture for Brandon Aiyuk Return in 2025
Dowdle signed with the Panthers on a one-year, $6.25 million contract. The idea was for him to serve as the replacement for Miles Sanders and be the direct backup for Hubbard. That has now been flipped.
Dowdle continues to showcase elite skills as a three-down back, along with being effective in the passing game. He is also only 27 years old and in the fifth season of his young career.
Should Dowdle secure over 1,000 yards rushing, which it appears that he will — the Panthers should offer the breakout star a new deal. Carolina is showing they can compete in the NFC, and keeping him on the offense with Bryce Young and Tetairoa McMillan should be at the top of the front office's to-do list.
The Panthers are set to face the San Francisco 49ers in Week 12. Should they win, they will have a 7-5 record and be neck-and-neck in first place with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South.
Dowdle is a major factor in the team's success. Granted, they have time to make a deal, but an extension should come swiftly, especially if the running back eclipses 1,000 yards before the end of the season.
For more on the Panthers and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
Request Reprint & LicensingSubmit CorrectionView Editorial & AI Guidelines
Add Newsweek as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Recommended For You
NFLBills’ Josh Allen Gives Update on Injury Concerns After Texans Loss3 min read
NFLBills QB Josh Allen Places Blame After ‘Frustrating’ Loss to Texans2 min read
NFLFormer Patriots Super Bowl Champion RB Makes Major Career Decision2 min read
NFLDevastating Bucky Irving Update Could Spell Bad News for Buccaneers3 min read
NFL49ers Linked to Intriguing Quarterback Move During NFL Offseason3 min read
NFLDeion Sanders Shares Plans for Shedeur Sanders’ First Browns Start3 min readRelated Podcasts
Top Stories
NewsDonald Trump’s Redistricting Gamble is Backfiring4 min read
NewsUncommon Knowledge: Mamdani vs. Trump: Who Will Win the Oval Office Showdown?7 min read
WorldTrump Sets Thanksgiving Deadline for Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal: Live Updates1 min read
PoliticsGhislaine Maxwell House Oversight Testimony Update Issued by James Comer3 min read
NewsSupreme Court Weighs Decision on Birthright Citizenship: What To Know4 min read
PoliticsDemocrats Keep Face Planting After Wins7 min readTrending
NursesNursing Is No Longer Counted as a ‘Professional Degree’ by Trump Admin7 min read
Higher EducationFull List of Degrees Not Classed As ‘Professional’ by Trump Admin8 min read
Donald TrumpDonald Trump Faces Articles of Impeachment Before Christmas3 min read
Zohran MamdaniFact Check: Is Mamdani Introducing Arabic Numerals To New York Schools?3 min read
SNAP benefitsSNAP Benefits Update: USDA To ‘Completely Deconstruct’ Program3 min readOpinion
OpinionRemembering My Father Senator Robert F. Kennedy | Opinion4 min read
OpinionLatinos Catch the Fish. Why Aren’t They at the Decision-Making Table? | Opinion5 min read
OpinionWhy Is the US Punishing Legal Immigrants? | Opinion5 min read
OpinionWhat Is an American?6 min read
OpinionConventional Wisdom: MAGA Infighting Edition2 min read
