Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or James Cook

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.

Friday, April 18, 4:12 PM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook has been vocal about wanting a contract extension. Cook reportedly wants an extension worth $15 million per season. It doesn't seem that the Bills and Cook are seeing eye-to-eye on that topic. That being said, it wouldn't be shocking to see Cook stay away from voluntary workouts. It seems unlikely that Cook will sit out actual regular season games, but possibly he'll miss workouts to increase the pressure on the organization. Cook is deserving of a new contract after rushing for 1,009 yards with a career-high 16 touchdowns this past season. The Bills have already handed out extensions to other players, so maybe Cook isn't as valued to Buffalo as he thinks. Ultimately, the two sides should get a deal done, but it wouldn't be shocking to see Cook try to leverage the situation.