The Carolina Panthers bolstered their backfield Wednesday, agreeing to a one-year, $3 million deal that could grow to as much as $6.5 million with free agent running back Rico Dowdle, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Dowdle essentially replaces Miles Sanders, whom the Panthers released in a cost-cutting move earlier this week.
Carolina still has starter Chuba Hubbard, who had a career-high 1,195 yard rushing and 10 touchdowns this past season, earning him a four-year, $33.2 million extension. Jonathon Brooks, the team's 2024 second-round pick who suffered a second ACL tear in his right knee in December, and Emani Bailey are the other backs on the Panthers roster.