Who Should I Start? Nick Chubb or Rico Dowdle

Tuesday, February 25, 2:59 PM

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb will hit the free-agent market when free agency opens on March 12, according to general manager Andrew Berry. The former second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft rushed for 996 yards as a rookie before compiling four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons from 2019 to 2022. He suffered a significant knee injury in Week 2 of the 2023 campaign, limiting him to just two games played. The 29-year-old returned to action in Week 7 last season but rushed for just 322 yards and three touchdowns in eight games before suffering a broken foot. With Chubb's future outlook uncertain and Cleveland needing to flip its roster, there's a good chance his time with the organization is over. However, the Browns could bring him back on a cheap deal if he does not draw much interest in the open market.

Wednesday, March 12, 7:36 PM

The Carolina Panthers have signed free-agent running back Rico Dowdle on Wednesday. The two sides have agreed on a one-year, $6.25 million deal for the upcoming season. On paper, Dowdle is a good fit with the Panthers who certainly need depth behind Chuba Hubbard. Last season, Dowdle rushed for over 1,000 yards across 15 games with the Dallas Cowboys. It's also worth noting that Dowdle hauled in 39 receptions for 249 yards and three touchdowns through the air. This is a low-risk move that should help the Panthers while former second-round pick Jonathon Brooks (knee) recovers from injury.