Fansided · Feb 9
Ideal Panthers Rico Dowdle replacement reminded Dan Morgan he's going nowhere
Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan | Jim Dedmon-Imagn ImagesThe Carolina Panthers went into the 2025 NFL season with their running back situation figured out: Chuba Hubbard would be the bellcow, and Rico Dowdle would be the complementary piece. Then the tables turned when Dowdle thoroughly outplayed Hubbard and rightfully earned the starting job.
After weeks of dominance, many felt that Dowdle could be an extension candidate in the offseason. After all, he signed just a one-year deal with the Panthers, and he was playing like his hair was on fire. And then, he completely fell off the map. And Hubbard didn't exactly pick up the slack.