Dallas Cowboys star agrees $6.5m switch to Carolina Panthers despite historic achievement with Jerry Jones’ team

THE Chicago Panthers have pounced for a Dallas Cowboys record-breaker.

Rico Dowdle has agreed a one-season deal that could reach a reported $6.5million with Dave Canales’ NFL team.

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Yet it follows his history-making feat for the Cowboys in 2024.

Dowdle, 26, became the team’s first ever undrafted running back to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in one season.

He finished last year with 1,079.

The former college star for the University of South Carolina hails from Asheville, North Carolina. 

ESPN say he’s accepted a contract with the Panthers worth an initial $3m.

But that figure could more than double, depending on how the year goes.

Dowdle appears certain to be used as back-up for Chuba Hubbard.

Canadian Hubbard, 25, has just had his deal extended.

And the sum involved in that contract shows just what a key role he will continue to have.

Hubbard has been handed a four-year package totalling $33.2m.

That’s not surprising as he finished 2024 with some of his best stats –  1,195 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns.

Dowdle arrives 24 hours after Miles Sanders was released on Tuesday.

Sanders, 27, had joined the Panthers from the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022.

Meanwhile, 2024 second-round pick Jonathon Brooks is still recovering from ACL knee surgery.

That’s another reason the Panthers needed another back for the coming season.