Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Tyler Allgeier

Wednesday, February 25, 4:55 AM

Carolina Panthers impending free-agent running back Rico Dowdle wasn't happy with the way the 2025 season ended and seemed like a man not interested in re-signing, but he "has sent out social-media messages since then suggesting he might," according to Darin Gantt of Panthers.com. General manager Dan Morgan said the "door was open" for Dowdle to return, but they will let him test the free-agent market. If Dowdle doesn't re-sign, the Panthers are happy with the rest of the RB room, which includes Chuba Hubbard, former second-rounder Jonathon Brooks, and last year's fourth-rounder, Trevor Etienne. The 27-year-old Dowdle led Carolina in rushing last year, running for 1,076 yards and six touchdowns on 236 carries over 17 regular-season games. It was his second straight 1,000-yard season. He was involved in more of a timeshare down the stretch with Hubbard, though, and Dowdle has made it clear he wants an opportunity to be a lead back. That's unlikely to happen if he stays with the Panthers.

Friday, February 27, 6:07 AM

Atlanta Falcons impending free-agent running back Tyler Allgeier will be looking for a contract in the neighborhood of three years and $22 million this offseason, according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic. Kendall adds that it's almost certainly "more than the Falcons will be willing to pay" with Bijan Robinson's second contract looming down the road in one or two years. Robinson will try to reset the RB market when he begins negotiations. Allgeier had 676 carries for 2,876 yards in his four seasons in Atlanta and set the franchise's rookie rushing record of 1,035 yards in 2022 after he was taken in the fifth round. The 25-year-old was a frustrating play in fantasy because of the unpredictability behind Robinson, but he did have a career-high eight TDs in 2025, and he should be in line for an expanded role in 2026 in a new location.