Panthers sign their Rico Dowdle RB replacement as former Packers, Eagles free agent

The Carolina Panthers lost Rico Dowdle in free agency. He left for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

That meant the Panthers needed go find a new running back, and they signed one on Wednesday.

The new guy: AJ Dillon.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that it's a one-year deal for Dillon to come to Carolina.

Chuba Hubbard is expected to lead the Panthers' backfield in 2026, but Dillon will slot somewhere behind him on the depth chart.

Dillon is one of the league's biggest running backs, officially listed at 6-feet tall and 247 pounds.

MORE: Why the Kansas City Chiefs traded for Justin Fields

The 27-year old RB was a collegiate superstar at Boston College.

The Packers took him with the No. 62 overall pick (second round) in the 2020 NFL Draft.

He played his first four NFL seasons with the Packers. His best campaign was 2021, when he ran 187 times for 803 yards and five touchdowns.

His efficiency dropped the next season, but he still had 770 yards and seven touchdowns.

It was 613 yards and two TDs in 2023 for the Packers.

Dillon missed the entire 2024 season with injury. After the year, he signed with the Eagles.

In Philly, Dillon got into just seven games and had 12 carries for 60 yards.

He's a power back, but that can be useful. He actually also had three consecutive seasons in Green Bay with more than 20 catches, so his hands are better than you'd expect.

Carolina's plans for Dillon won't take full shape until training camp and the preseason, but it's a fun addition.

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