Panthers RB Rico Dowdle’s frustration could be Saints’ gain

By Ross Jackson

The Carolina Panthers’ hard-fought 34-31 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the opening playoff weekend should be seen as a confidence-building game for the franchise. However, the loss could spell the quicker-than-expected end to a star player’s tenure, one that could turn into a major win for the New Orleans Saints.

Following the loss, Panthers running back Rico Dowdle was questioned about his usage and how it might impact his decision-making as he enters free agency in March.

Rico Dowdle says his decreased carries at the end of the season will impact his thinking in free agency. Says he wants to go somewhere where he can get bulk of the carries. pic.twitter.com/48v2892fZS

— Joe Person (@josephperson) January 11, 2026

“It is what it is,” Dowdle said. “I only control what I can control and go from there. But that definitely plays a factor.”

If Dowdle decides to test the market as the new league year begins, he’ll immediately become one of the top rushers available. He’s coming off of back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons with a combined 12 touchdowns from scrimmage in those years. He played a full 17-game season in 2025 after appearing in 16 in 2024, showing that he’s healthy, reliable and productive from a position that takes a lot of punishment each week.

Dowdle saw his touches dip to just nine in Week 18 and only saw six total touches in the WIld Card game, rushing five times for just nine yards, an average of 1.8 yards per carry. His longest rush picked up eight of his nine rushing yards.

The former Dallas Cowboys running back is undoubtedly a talented force at the position. His steep drop in opportunities over the final two games was a surprise and followed eight consecutive weeks of double-digit touches. He did not cross 20 such chances with the ball since Week 13.

Against the Saints, Dowdle scored a rushing touchdown in each game and totaled 102 rushing yards on 34 carries. He wasn’t a game-breaker against New Orleans, but had enough production to force the Saints to play from behind in both of their meetings on the year. 

If Dowdle were to head elsewhere, it could be a relief for the Saints. While their run defense improved throughout the year, no one would complain about fewer weapons in the division. 

Additionally, Dowdle could become an interesting option for New Orleans in free agency. The Saints’ rushing attack left a lot to be desired in 2025, and the team will be looking for ways to bolster that area of the game both from a weapons and protection perspective. Dowdle could become one of the best weapons available. Offering him a chance to show his former team what it missed out twice a year might become an appealing pitch.

The 2020 undrafted free agent signed a one-year deal worth up to $6.25 million with the Panthers last offseason and may be looking for a new home, one that will utilize him in key situations, very soon.