Rico Dowdle had the best season of his NFL career in 2024. Now that the offseason is in full swing, it appears he’ll return to his home state.

Dowdle agreed to a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers, the team announced Wednesday. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the deal could be worth up to $6.25 million. The running back was a key part of the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive attack last season, leading the team with 235 carries for 1,079 rushing yards. He also posted five total touchdowns (three receiving, two rushing).

The Cowboys initially started the 2024 season with a running back-by-committee approach, seeing Dowdle split carries with Ezekiel Elliott. As the season moved forward, Dowdle slowly began to handle most of the running back workload.

Dowdle took his game to another level in Week 13, posting the first of his four 100-yard rushing games in 2024. He ran for over 100 yards in three straight games from Nov. 11-Dec. 15.

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With the Cowboys entering a new era under head coach Brian Schottenheimer, Dowdle was one of the team’s key free agents heading into the offseason. Ahead of the NFL scouting combine, Cowboys chief operating officer and co-owner Stephen Jones made it clear Dallas wanted Dowdle back in 2025.

Dowdle has spent his entire career with the Cowboys and made the most of his opportunity last year. The 26-year-old running back proved he can handle duties as a team’s RB1.

Dowdle will look to keep the momentum rolling in Charlotte. Dowdle is originally from North Carolina, posting a standout high school career at A.C. Reynolds High in Asheville.

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