The Carolina Panthers are taking significant steps to secure their future at running back, focusing on the concerning state of second-round draft pick Jonathon Brooks, who faces uncertainties following two ACL injuries. With the recent signing of running back Rico Dowdle, once part of the Dallas Cowboys, the Panthers are clearly pivoting to manage their backfield's materiality for the 2025 season.
Brooks, who has been beset by injuries, is under increased scrutiny after suffering his second ACL tear. The Panthers have made it clear through their actions—most recently, the signing of Dowdle to a one-year contract worth up to $6 million including $3 million guaranteed—that they might be prepared to keep Brooks sidelined for the entirety of next season. This cautious approach is aimed at giving Brooks the time he needs for recovery, ensuring he can return to training camp for 2026 fully healthy and confident.
While Brooks remains optimistic, he will have little experience on the field when he resumes play, having tallied just 12 touches as a rookie with the Panthers before his injury, having previously recorded 212 touches during his final year at the University of Texas. This comparatively meager total raises important questions about his readiness and development as he prepares for the game at this competitive level.
Rico Dowdle’s venture to Carolina adds intrigue to the mix. At just 26 years old, Dowdle experienced the first breakout year of his career with the Cowboys last season, accumulating over 1,000 yards rushing—1,079 to be exact—coupled with two touchdowns. He also made 39 receptions for another 249 yards and three scores, summing up his impressive 1,328 scrimmage yards, positioning him at 20th among all NFL running backs.
Dowdle’s signing reflects the Panthers’ intention to maintain offensive productivity, particularly after the release of Miles Sanders, who had been expected to play a significant role. Dowdle is now considered not just as backup support but potentially as the centerpiece of what could be a resurgent Panthers running attack, alongside starting running back Chuba Hubbard, whose 1,366 yards from scrimmage ranked him 15th league-wide last year.
Nonetheless, the Panthers are not alone in addressing their quarterback needs within the NFL. The Atlanta Falcons find themselves at a crossroads with quarterback Kirk Cousins, who they have opted not to release by the upcoming deadline, which would trigger his $10 million guaranteed salary for 2026. Reports suggest they feel compelled to retain Cousins due to limited options available across the league for veteran quarterbacks. The Falcons are reportedly searching for potential trades involving Cousins, particularly with the Cleveland Browns, who are interested in enhancing their quarterback choices.
The Browns, meanwhile, are advocating for quarterback support and have lined up workouts with other players, such as Russell Wilson and Joe Flacco, keeping their options open as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season.
On the draft front, excitement is building for Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins, who sprinted through the scouting combine, clocking a 4.48-second 40-yard dash. With his size at 6-feet and 221 pounds, Judkins also dazzled with his impressive vertical leap and broad jump. His decision to showcase his skills at the combine, rather than wait for Ohio State’s pro day, has set tongues wagging among NFL scouts. Many believe Judkins could make the jump to the first round, showing the depth and talent available among this year’s running back class—something NFL teams are paying attention to amid free agency where running back options have been comparatively thin this year.
Teams are clearly moving away from long-term contracts for veteran running backs as evidenced by the recent modest signings across the league, including the Chargers securing Najee Harris, the Panthers grabbing Dowdle, and the Cowboys acquiring Javonte Williams. It appears organizations are banking on the incoming rookie talent to fulfill their needs, forecasting potential star performance from new entries like Judkins.
With this strategic approach, the Panthers and other teams are hoping to balance between current demands and future aspirations, contributing to the swirling narrative of movement and reshaping across the NFL. The stakes for both immediate and long-term success with running backs have been raised, as franchises navigate injury-complex dynamics and the upcoming draft.