Chiefs Eyeing Panthers' Free Agent RB Rico Dowdle

Kansas City could look to capitalize on Carolina's crowded backfield situation in NFL free agency.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to be among the teams interested in signing free agent running back Rico Dowdle from the Carolina Panthers. With the Chiefs set to let Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt hit free agency, they could look to Dowdle or other available RBs to bolster their backfield.

Why it matters

The Chiefs struggled in 2025, missing the playoffs, and will be under pressure to upgrade their roster through free agency. Signing a talented running back like Dowdle could help them bounce back, especially if he can be had for a reasonable price as the Panthers have other options at the position.

The details

ESPN's Dan Graziano reported that the Chiefs, Texans and Giants are among the teams expected to explore the free agent running back market. Graziano noted that Dowdle and Atlanta's Tyler Allgeier are both free agents their current teams would consider re-signing, but may end up hitting the open market to seek starter-level money elsewhere. The Panthers have Chuba Hubbard, 2024 second-round pick Jonathon Brooks, and are high on second-year back Trevor Etienne, potentially making Dowdle expendable.

  • NFL free agency is set to begin in a few weeks.

The players

Rico Dowdle

A free agent running back who played for the Carolina Panthers.

Isiah Pacheco

A running back who is set to hit free agency after playing for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Kareem Hunt

A running back who is set to hit free agency after playing for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Brashard Smith

The Kansas City Chiefs' top remaining running back under contract.

Chuba Hubbard

A running back who is under contract with the Carolina Panthers.

Trevor Etienne

A second-year running back the Panthers are high on.

Jonathon Brooks

A 2024 second-round pick by the Panthers who has played only three games due to injuries but is making progress in his rehab.

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What they’re saying

“Teams I expect to see gauge the free agent RB market include the Chiefs, Texans and Giants, among others.”

— Dan Graziano, ESPN Reporter (ESPN)

“If the Panthers lose running back Rico Dowdle in free agency, I don't think they'll rush to find an external replacement. They have Chuba Hubbard under contract, they like second-year back Trevor Etienne's promise and they're optimistic on 2024 second-round pick Jonathon Brooks, who has played only three games in his career because of injuries.”

— Dan Graziano, ESPN Reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The Chiefs will need to decide if they want to pursue Dowdle or other free agent running backs to bolster their backfield, as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' search for running back help in free agency could lead them to target Rico Dowdle, a talented back who may become available if the Panthers decide to move on from him given their depth at the position. This would allow Kansas City to address a key need without having to use a high draft pick.