Rico Dowdle responds to question about contract talks with Carolina Panthers

Carolina's breakout star in the backfield says there have been no talks.

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (5) breaks away for a long gain with less than a minute left in the game against the Green Bay Packers during their football game Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Carolina won 16-13. | Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Carolina Panthers lucked into a surprise superstar on their roster this year. Naturally, they didn't know what they had but Rico Dowdle's star shined so bright that even this organization had no choice but to give him his proper role.

After two ridiculous games of alternating drives with Chuba Hubbard, Dowdle is now established as the team's RB1, as he should be.

What comes after this season is over. though? While Hubbard is still under contract several more years, Dowdle will become a free agent in March. Asked by ESPN if he has had any contract talks with the team yet on Thursday, Dowdle had a simple answer.

Rico Dowdle comments on contract talks

Rico Dowdle says the #Panthers so far have not talked to him or his agent about a new deal. He’s on a one-year contract. pic.twitter.com/Ka2VXZNI7K

— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) November 21, 2025

Dowdle's one-year, $2.75 million deal with the Panthers this year turned out to be one of the biggest bargains in the league.

While it's unfortunate that Hubbard is taking up the cap space that he is, Carolina can't make another mistake by allowing Dowdle to leave next year without getting anything in return.

The run is as important now to the NFL game as it's been in 20 years, and having multiple lead rusher options is not a bad thing. Dowdle has consistently shown that he has a higher ceiling than Hubbard, and he's able to hit his peaks more often. He also offers more upside as a receiver.

It shouldn't be too hard to put two and two together and bring Dowdle back, but you can never assume that the Panthers will know what they should do during the offseason.

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