The Kansas City Chiefs suffered a devastating 2025 season, missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade. Head coach Andy Reid and company couldn’t get out of the AFC West, as quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the offense finished in the bottom third of the NFL in scoring.
The front office would want to be aggressive this offseason to stock up on talent, and offense demands some focus. Who could they sign in free agency?
Rico Dowdle Could Fill Key Hole in Chiefs Offense
The Chiefs could lose both Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco to free agency, as their contracts expire this offseason. That would leave the team with nothing but Brashard Smith in the backfield.
Rico Dowdle, coming off a stellar year with the Carolina Panthers, could fill that gap. The back has booked two straight 1,000-yard campaigns, showcasing elite versatility that should fit seamlessly into Reid’s offense.
While the Chiefs made due with Hunt’s power and Pacheco’s speed, Dowdle presents a dangerous blend of both, much like New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara.
Bleacher Report’s Joe Moton highlighted Dowdle’s fit in the Chiefs, saying the rusher could handle “the lion’s share” of touches out of the backfield.
“The underrated Rico Dowdle is quietly coming off back-to-back 1,000-plus-yard seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers,” Moton wrote. “He served as a backup early in his career, so the 27-year-old doesn’t have much tread on his legs. He’s logged only 567 total carries across six seasons.”
The Dallas Cowboys offloaded the back after one strong season, aiming to capitalize on his high stock. What they didn’t account for was that he’d pick it up in Carolina, right where he left off in Dallas.
“Despite his recent production, Dowdle won’t garner as much attention as the household names with accolades and early-round draft pedigrees,” Moton added. “He may be available at a modest price, making him an ideal fit for the Kansas City Chiefs.”
The “productive three-down” running back, with 16 career touchdowns, helped the Panthers overachieve this past season, recording 236 carries for 1,076 yards and six touchdowns. Carolina used him just as much in the passing game as Dallas, as Dowdle booked 39 receptions for 297 yards and one score (71.9 PFSN RB Impact).
Putting him next to Mahomes in the Chiefs’ backfield could unlock that usual Chiefs dominance fans have grown accustomed to. He could anchor the backfield to open up the passing game for Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Travis Kelce, if the tight end returns.
It’ll be interesting to see how Reid and the front office rebuild to get the franchise back in the playoffs.
