Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Jaydon Blue

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.

Wednesday, May 7, 7:39 PM

Per the team's transaction log, the Dallas Cowboys have signed fifth-round rookie running back Jaydon Blue to a four-year, $4.62 million contract. The 21-year-old played second fiddle to teammate Quintrevion Wisner for the Texas Longhorns and is smaller in stature (5-foot-9) but has speed for days (4.38 40-yard dash). Blue has the odds stacked against him for playing time -- considering his draft capital -- but it isn't unheard of for late-round selections to make a splash in the league. Furthermore, the talent (or lack thereof) in front of him in Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams doesn't pose much of a threat in the way of competition. He'll undoubtedly have an opportunity to make his way to the field, but it won't be good for his prospects if he can't beat out the aforementioned veterans for playing time.