The Kansas City Chiefs are heading into the 2026 offseason with several clear objectives, which include improving their rushing situation. Running backs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are free agents, leaving only Brashard Smith under contract. This makes it clear that the Chiefs need to make at least two impact additions, opening the door for someone like pending free-agent RB Rico Dowdle to join the mix.
Dowdle joined the Carolina Panthers on a one-year contract last offseason. He exceeded expectations early in the season, but sharing opportunities with fellow Panthers RB Chubba Hubbard seemingly has Dowdle looking for a fresh start.
"That definitely is a factor,'' Dowdle said of his desire to seek more carries, via ESPN's David Newton on Jan. 11. "There's options for me. I just want to be a guy who can go out there and just get the bulk (of the carries).''
Pacheco and Hunt's uncertain futures already opened the door for Dowdle to join the Chiefs, but a partnership could be even more likely now that the team has moved on from RBs coach Todd Pinkston. The 48-year-old coach was a known Pacheco supporter, and now that Pinkston is gone, Kansas City could look to seriously shake up its backfield situation.
Chiefs Can Offer Rico Dowdle Clear Starting Role in 2026 Season
According to Spotrac, Dowdle is projected to make $6.5 million in free agency, putting a deal well within Kansas City's comfort zone. Dowdle is coming off a solid season, totaling 1,076 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 236 carries, also adding 39 catches for 297 yards and another score. It makes sense for the Chiefs to bring in this established presence and perhaps draft a day two prospect as a second option.
Kansas City's RB situation might not be amazing now, but it'd look a lot better with a combination of Dowdle and Smith, along with a third veteran (perhaps, a returning Hunt).
For Dowdle, it is hard to see him turning down an opportunity for the Chiefs based on his earlier sentiments. He'd easily get the bulk of the carries and be the featured option in a Patrick Mahomes-led offense. On top of that, he'd have every opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl, which isn't what he experienced during his time with the Panthers and Dallas Cowboys.
All of this adds up to Chiefs fans needing to keep a close eye on Dowdle before free agency opens in March. Although Breece Hall remains a dream target, Dowdle is the most realistic fit and a signing that would fit perfectly for a previously savvy Kansas City front office that badly needs an offseason win.