Rico

Dowdle

The Steelers on Monday signed Rico Dowdle, formerly of the Panthers, to a two-year deal worth $12.25 million, as Gainwell left Pittsburgh in favor of Tampa. DeFabo said the new-look Pittsburgh offense could see Warren occupy last year’s Gainwell role (Gainwell was among the league leaders in running back targets and receptions). Warren, DeFabo said, “has been at his best in a third-down role and out of the shotgun; Warren is now likely to assume the pass-catching role that Gainwell occupied last year. Given the increased opportunities in this area, Warren may produce results similar to those of Gainwell, though he’s not as refined as a route runner.” Such a scenario would make Warren far more valuable than Dowdle in PPR formats this season, though Dowdle could be a flex option if he gets first crack at goal line carries and functions as the team’s primary ball carrier.

Dowdle will presumably form a one-two punch with incumbent starter Jaylen Warren in Pittsburgh after notching consecutive 1,000-yard seasons for the Cowboys and Panthers. It also signals a level of discomfort with former third-round pick Kaleb Johnson, who played sparingly during his rookie season following multiple special teams miscues. The financials of the contract were not immediately made available. Although unlikely to match the 235 carries he averaged the previous two seasons, Dowdle’s size and frame keep his touchdown equity high on the run-first Steelers.

Vaguer than we’d prefer from Fowler, but given the fact the Commanders have nothing ahead of “Bill” Croskey-Merritt on the depth chart, bringing in a head of a committee makes plenty of sense. Dowdle appears to be behind Travis Etienne Jr. and Kenneth Walker on the free agency market, but should still do well for himself after a strong few months with the Panthers.

In other words, RJ Harvey-reliant managers, keep your head on a swivel. Kosmider names Kenneth Walker, Travis Etienne, and Rico Dowdle as three backs the Broncos could have interest in. He adds that it’s “within the realm of possibility” that J.K. Dobbins returns, and also notes that the Broncos could search for young depth on Day 3 of the draft. It’s not exactly a ringing endorsement for RJ Harvey, fantasy superstar. Harvey could very well wind up in a committee again in 2026. The Broncos have enough cap space to be in play for the bigger name backs.

Achane is mentioned as part of a major section of Alexander’s combine takeaways titled “A push for a running back,” starring Kenneth Walker and also featuring Travis Etienne and Rico Dowdle. But towards the very end, it notes that the Texans did trade for a back after missing out on the free-agent market for Saquon Barkley when they snagged Joe Mixon. We doubt that the Dolphins would part with Achane for something negligible — they’d likely require real draft compensation — but the situation certainly looks to be focused on the long-term there and Achane is entering the final year of his rookie contract.

Dowdle was notably down on how little he was used in the regular season finale and in the playoffs, where he rushed a combined 12 times for 19 yards, and said that would be a “factor” in his free agency. Dowdle’s fantasy stock could take a big upturn if he wound up being the obvious lead back on a new team this offseason. The Chiefs, Saints and Texans come to mind as (our speculation) possibilities. Chuba Hubbard’s stock would similarly rebound if Dowdle took off to greener pastures.

A worthwhile RB1 for the middle months of the fantasy season, Dowdle took control of the Carolina backfield in Week 5 with a scintillating 23/206/1 effort against the Dolphins in a comeback win. Over the next eight games, Dowdle averaged 17.6 carries for 80 yards and scored three times while adding a respectable 25.8 yards per game and another score as a receiver. We’re not sure whether to blame the toe and other ailments he played through or if he just slowed down under a 20-carry a game workload. It averages out to about what he did in Dallas last year: 235/1079/2 in 2024, 236/1076/6 in 2025, but that’s why we watch the games and note how many of those carries came in certain games as compared to others. A free agent in 2026, Dowdle would be a respectable RB2 option if he found the right landing spot.

Dowdle was able to earn a million dollar signing bonus for hitting 1,350 total yards. End of positives for Saturday, as the Panthers were held to 19 total rushing yards in in the sloppy Tampa Bay conditions. Dowdle’s overall season is an unquestioned success that saw him become a major weapon for the Carolina attack — he’ll enter free agency with a 229/1066/6 rushing line. But the Panthers now need the Falcons to beat the Saints in order to advance to the postseason.

No surprises here. Dowdle was listed as a full participant yesterday and is good to go for his showdown with the Bucs. Dowdle is ceding some work to Chuba Hubbard every week but remains the Panthers’ clear lead back. He should get plenty of touches in a must-win game versus the Bucs on Saturday. The Panthers can make the playoffs with a win. They can also win the NFC South with a loss and an Atlanta win on Sunday.

Dowdle was listed as a DNP on Tuesday, but the team upgraded him to a full session for today’s walkthrough. He doesn’t appear to be at any risk of missing Week 18 versus the Bucs. Dowdle out-touched Chuba Hubbard 15-7 last week, though he posted a quiet box score for fantasy purposes. Expect the Panthers to try to get him going early in a must-win spot versus the Bucs.