PFF names Panthers' most potent free-agent signing of the offseason

[ASFN Admin]

One of the Carolina Panthers' smaller free-agent signings could prove to be one of their biggest boons in 2025.

Ben Cooper of Pro Football Focus recently named each NFL team's free-agent signing with the most upside for the upcoming season. He tabs running back Rico Dowdle for the Panthers, who may now have quite the dynamic duo in their backfield.

Cooper writes:

While the Panthers made several splash signings, big contracts leave little room for upside. Dowdle will make just $3 million in base salary in 2025 after establishing himself as a top-16 running back in yards after contact per attempt (3.28), 10-plus-yard runs (26) and missed tackles forced (45) last season.

Dowdle likely won’t supplant Chuba Hubbard, but they could form a valuable one-two punch as Bryce Young looks to build on a promising end to his second NFL season.

Dowdle and the Panthers, back on March 12, agreed to a one-year pact worth approximately $2.7 million. Per Over The Cap, the contract includes $3.5 million in performance incentives—which could bring the deal up to a little over $6 million.

The Asheville, N.C. native is fresh off his most productive pro campaign, where he amassed a career-high 1,079 rushing yards for the Dallas Cowboys.

This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: NFL free agency: Rico Dowdle named Panthers' most potent signing

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