πππ π‘ π·ππππ‘ πππ ππ‘πππ πΊπππππ - RB
C
Players In:
β’ AJ Dillon - FA (Eagles)
Players Out:
β’ Rico Dowdle - FA (Steelers)
Last season we were very solid in this area, mainly in the first half of the season. Dowdle rushed for 1,076 yards, scored 6 TDs and was undoubtedly a pivotal reason in our success and achievement in reaching the playoffs. However, no matter how well he did Dowdle was never going to be re-signed due to the money that his team mate Chuba Hubbard was on and I also believed Dowdle didnβt end the season as well as we wouldβve hoped. Many people lost faith in Hubbard after last season and seeing how good Rico was, but it has to be considered that Chuba was carrying injuries for most the season and he has been a crucial player for us in years gone by.
After losing Dowdle, the Panthers went out in FA and secured AJ Dillon on a 1yr $1.4 million deal. A good team friendly deal. As well as Dillon, the Panthers hope to have 2024 draft pick Jonathon Brooks back to full health after back to back injuries that have sidelined him for nearly 3 full seasons. They also have Trevor Etienne who has yet to be fully utilised in the backfield and has predominantly been used as a kick/punt returner - which didnβt work. With these 4 in the RB room, I think the Panthers staff believe they have enough to still be a success next season.
I am however, skeptical about this. I like to think Chuba will get back to the old form he had before securing his new contract, however even this Iβm not sure is good enough for a team looking at the next level, and it is a big contract. I like AJ Dillon for the value and short yardage and Endzone production but we cannot rely on just this. Brooks I find it hard to believe will succeed after 2 major injuries and we are still really yet to see his ability, and Etienne is also untested.
Iβm nervous that this area could end up being a weak spot, putting too much pressure on BY and the passing game, but I hope to be proved wrong!