ESPN Links Broncos to Potential J.K. Dobbins Replacement

The Denver Broncos are the best "team fit" for impending free-agent running back Rico Dowdle, one of the top 50 players set to hit the open market, according to ESPN's Matt Bowen.

"Dowdle would step in for free agent J.K. Dobbins to pair with RJ Harvey in Denver's backfield," Bowen wrote Tuesday. "In this scenario, Dowdle would split touches with Harvey, and his decisive, downhill running style works on the goal line in coach Sean Payton's offense. Dowdle rushed for 1,076 yards and had 26 carries of 10 or more yards last season with the Panthers."

Undrafted in 2020, Dowdle spent his first five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys prior to joining the Carolina Panthers in 2025. He started 26 games over the last two years and eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards both times while also averaging 4.6 yards per carry.

The 5-foot-11, 215-pound back played his college ball at South Carolina, where he finished 15th on the university's all-time rushing list with 2,167 ground yards across the 2016-19 campaigns.

"There are strengths and areas that need improvement, but when it is all said and done, Dowdle has pro size, vision and toughness as a runner," his NFL Media scouting profile reads. "His elusiveness is created with vision rather than wiggle and he's more determined than punishing as a finisher. His tape was great to start the 2019 season but faded after an injury in early October against Florida on his first carry. While he's handled third-down duties, he needs to become a better pass-catcher and pocket protector as a pro. He may not be fast, but there is plenty of burst for inside/outside running. Dowdle has the tape and traits to become a three-down backup or committee running back."

Dowdle appears primed to join a crowded RB market led by the Jets' Breece Hall, Seattle's Kenneth Walker, Atlanta's Tyler Allgeier, and Jacksonville's Travis Etienne.

Spotrac estimates that Dowdle, who turns 28 in June, will garner $6.5 million annually on his next contract.