Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Bryce Young

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.

Thursday, April 10, 1:04 PM

The Carolina Panthers showed plenty of progress once quarterback Bryce Young got back on the field in his sophomore year in 2024, and he said he's ready "to continue to build and grow" in 2025. It should help that he'll have the same offensive line, same set of receivers and the same coaching staff. It's the first time the Panthers have gone into a season with the same QB, coach and general manager since 2019, and the stability will be a good thing for Young. The 23-year-old former first overall pick looked like a different signal-caller when he returned as the starter in Week 8, completing 61.8% of his pass attempts for 2,104 yards, 15 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also had game-tying or game-winning drives in six of the final nine games. Young will be a QB2 with upside in fantasy, but he has the ability to take the next step in Year 3.