Floated Rico Dowdle replacement could drag the Panthers into a nightmare

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle | Jim Dedmon-Imagn ImagesDan Morgan may be on the lookout for a new running back this offseason. The Carolina Panthers got more than they bargained for with Rico Dowdle, but his regression down the stretch and his likely contract demands make it difficult to envisage a future with the club.

If, or when, Dowdle takes his chances elsewhere, the Panthers will be left with Chuba Hubbard, Trevor Etienne, and the returning Jonathon Brooks, who's missed the best part of two years with consecutive ACL tears on the same knee. That might suffice, but Morgan won't be leaving anything to chance.

Going down the draft route with a later-round pick might be the…