It’s no secret that the Chicago Bears have problems with their running game. They rank 26th in the NFL through four weeks, and that number is propped up by Caleb Williams’ scrambling. Head coach Ben Johnson is not happy with the state of things. Running the ball is a core part of his offense. Not being able to make everything else harder. He’s been careful defending running back D’Andre Swift amidst everything. The decision to bench left tackle Braxton Jones seemed to stem from his run-blocking issues. Yet many believe the team may seek some help on the trade market.
The problem is the options. There aren’t many notable names who appear to be available. Those who are, like Alvin Kamara in New Orleans, have contract issues. Chicago doesn’t really have the wiggle room for that. If they do make a move, it must be somebody with a reasonable cap number. It limits the pool. However, Bleacher Report believes there is one who fits what the Bears need. Fans might be familiar with the name after what he accomplished last year before entering a tough situation in Carolina.
He is Rico Dowdle.
Projected Trade Value: Conditional 2026 7th-Round Pick
Teams looking for a running back but are not interested in paying for a big name like Kamara should inquire about Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle.
The former Cowboys starter signed a one-year deal with Carolina this offseason but hasn’t been a big part of the game plan. He’s caught five passes, logged 28 carries and tallied 103 yards with a touchdown.
As Dallas’ starter last year, though, the 27-year-old rushed for 1,079 yards, caught 39 passes and totaled 1,328 scrimmage yards. While he’s not the proven playmaker Kamara is, he has a modest $1.2 million base salary and should be available at a bargain.
Dowdle is, at worst, a high-end backup and does have depth value for Carolina. However, the 1-3 Panthers appear to be in the middle of another lost season and might as well get a longer look at rookie Trevor Etienne.
Potential Suitors: Chicago Bears
Dowdle has the traits the Chicago Bears prefer under Johnson.
He is a good athlete with enough speed to threaten the edges. His vision allows him to find where the lanes will be, maximizing his yardage opportunities. This has been the constant issue with Swift. Dowdle is a pure runner. He won’t help you in the passing game, either as a receiver or a protector. This is a move that should be made only for rushing help. A 7th round pick is perfectly reasonable for a short-term rental. Carolina doesn’t look like they’re going anywhere this year, and they already have a primary back with Chubba Hubbard. Dealing Dowdle for some draft help isn’t a crazy thought. It depends on whether the Chicago Bears believe he could really help them.
