Panthers Sign Dak Prescott’s Weapon for Bryce Young After Dave Canales Landed Rams LB

The Carolina Panthers are cooking up something spicy in their roster kitchen—and it’s not just pulled pork on the grill. Fans debate whether this season’s recipe will finally land them a playoff win. But the team’s front office is stacking ingredients that could turn their offense into a smoky, slow-cooked brisket. Rich, layered, and ready to sizzle.

On Wednesday, the Panthers signed running back Rico Dowdle to a one-year, $3 million deal (with incentives up to $6.5 million), per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Dowdle, the undrafted gem, became the first Cowboys back to rush for 1,000+ yards since Ezekiel Elliott’s 2016 rookie season. He brings a jolt of speed to a backfield led by Chuba Hubbard.

The 26-year-old’s 1,079 yards in 2024 included four 100-yard games in five weeks. A hot streak that made him Dallas’ go-to rusher over Elliott. With Hubbard’s $33.2 million extension and Jonathon Brooks’ ACL recovery, Dowdle’s arrival feels like a safety net and a feature play rolled into one.

Rico Dowdle to sign a 1-year deal with the Panthers, per @mike_e_kaye.

— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) March 12, 2025

On the other side of the ball, the Panthers inked linebacker Christian Rozeboom to a one-year pact. The 28-year-old, went undrafted out of South Dakota State. But emerged as a tackling machine for the Rams in 2024—135 total tackles, five tackles for loss, and an interception. His 74% defensive snap rate last season mirrors the reliability of a baseball closer. One that always takes the mound in the ninth inning. Rozeboom’s journey—from Chiefs camp in 2021 to Rams starter—echoes the Panthers’ love for underdog stories (see: Christian McCaffrey’s draft rise).

Dowdle’s presence could let Hubbard stay fresher for 2025’s crucial games, while Rozeboom’s tackling prowess might finally give the Panthers’ defense the backbone it’s lacked since Luke Kuechly’s retirement. But will these moves be enough to turn Carolina from NFC South pretenders to contenders? The grill’s still heating up.

This story is unfolding—stay locked in for the latest.

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