The Carolina Panthers are making waves in the offseason, and not necessarily the kind they were hoping for. After losing their 2025 leading rusher, Rico Dowdle, to the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency, they're left reconfiguring their backfield strategy.
Last season, the Panthers ranked 19th in rushing yards per game, a stat that underscores their need for a strong ground game. Chuba Hubbard, who dazzled in 2024 with 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns, saw his production dip significantly in 2025, managing just 511 yards and one touchdown. Dowdle, meanwhile, stepped up with 1,076 yards and six touchdowns, making his departure a significant blow.
But the Panthers aren't leaving Hubbard to carry the load alone. NFL insider Jordan Schultz revealed that Carolina plans to bring in 27-year-old running back AJ Dillon on a one-year deal. Dillon, a former Green Bay Packers standout, was drafted in the second round in 2020 and made a name for himself with 2,428 yards and 16 touchdowns from 2020 to 2023.
Dillon's journey hit a snag with a neck injury that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season. He briefly joined the Philadelphia Eagles, but limited playtime saw him with just 12 rushing attempts for 60 yards in seven games.
In Green Bay, Dillon's physical, downhill running style provided a perfect counterbalance to Aaron Jones Sr. Now, if Dillon can stay healthy, he could serve as a solid RB2 alongside Hubbard. However, the Panthers are also banking on Jonathan Brooks' recovery from a second ACL tear in just over a year, suffered in December 2024.
Looking ahead, it would be wise for Carolina to eye potential running back talent in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. With the right moves, the Panthers could revitalize their rushing attack and find a new rhythm on the field.