The Carolina Panthers have seemingly found an intriguing trade chip in emerging running back Rico Dowdle. The former Dallas Cowboy signed a one-year deal with the Panthers during the offseason and has seen career-best performances with starter Chuba Hubbard out in Weeks 5 and 6.
Dowdle ran for 389 total yards on 53 carries while scoring three total touchdowns in Hubbard’s absence. With Hubbard returning to the lineup in Week 7, the two saw their workloads split.
Hubbard is only one year into his four-year, $33.2 million extension, so trading Dowdle seems possible. So, where would Dowdle fit best in a lead-back situation?
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders’ run game hasn’t been the same since Austin Ekeler tore his Achilles in Week 2. It’s been a revolving door since then, and none have seemed to stick. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt has seen limited success and has already fumbled twice this season.
With quarterback Jayden Daniels set to miss more time with a hamstring strain, Dowdle could provide a much-needed spark to the Commanders’ offense as they look to make a playoff push.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, despite a 5-2 start, have struggled to find consistency at the running back position this season. If the team wants to go deep into the playoffs, they’ll need a consistent run game quickly. Patriots running backs have run for a combined 522 rushing yards through seven weeks. Dowdle has 551 by himself.
New England running backs have also fumbled three times this season, with two coming from starter Rhamondre Stevenson. Dowdle, on the other hand, has only fumbled three times in his five-year career. Dowdle seems like a steady presence that could benefit this already exciting Patriots offense and provide rising star quarterback Drake Maye with some relief.
Houston Texans
Nick Chubb and Woody Marks have shared responsibilities in the Houston Texans’ backfield in the absence of Joe Mixon. The results have been uninspiring. Neither Chubb nor Marks has eclipsed 70 rushing yards in a game this season, and with every passing week, Mixon’s return seems less likely.
First play on O for Texans was a nice duo run. 2 good double teams and solid block by Schultz. A false indicator of what was to come the rest of the game. pic.twitter.com/ie2sjCJ4ZA
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) October 22, 2025
Rico Dowdle provides an explosive punch with an average of 5.6 yards per carry, compared to Chubb’s 4.2 and Marks’ 3.3 averages. If the Texans still want to make a playoff push to support their top defense, Dowdle would be an easy addition.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals’ run game is the worst in the NFL. That should be enough reason for them to go out and provide some support for their struggling offense. The Bengals have shown a willingness to trade for upgrades, as demonstrated by the Joe Flacco deal that resulted in a Thursday Night win. Chase Brown is their current starter but hasn’t lived up to expectations. Dowdle could be a true plug-and-play running back to help steal some wins before Joe Burrow returns from injury.
