The Tennessee Titans may have multiple options in NFL free agency to improve at running back. General manager Mike Borgonzi might make Tony Pollard a salary cap casualty, which would create an immediate need in the backfield. The current crop of pending free-agent running backs is impressive.
Most Titans fans have focused on Breece Hall and Kenneth Walker III. Both ball carriers are candidates to remain with their current clubs. Until they are officially signed or franchise tagged, they'll remain on the list of potential Titans targets.
If Hall and Walker don't reach free agency, the Titans could shift attention elsewhere. There's another aggressive running back slated to be available. Current Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle could emerge as an alternative fit.
Titans coud target RB Rico Dowdle in NFL Free Agency
Dowdle broke out as a member of the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, rushing for 1,079 yards despite starting the season as a backup. A couple of members of the Titans' current special teams coaching staff assistants were on that staff in John "Bones" Fassel and Rayna Stewart. Even still, Dowdle was undervalued in free agency last offseason, signing a one-year, $2.75 million contract with the Panthers.
Dowdle continued his impressive form. The former South Carolina standout running back rushed for 1,076 yards and a career-high six touchdowns with the Panthers in 2025. He now appears poised to sign a more lucrative contract in free agency.
Spotrac has Dowdle projected to sign a two-year, $13 million contract. That would pay the two-time 1,000-yard rusher an average annual salary of $6.5 million per season. That feels reasonable given Dowdle's production and physical run style.
It's worth acknowledging Dowdle turns 28 in June. Teams are typically hesitant to sign running backs to multi-year contracts into their thirties. That's plausibly why Spotrac's market projection for Dowdle is under $7 million per campaign despite him producing consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
Dowdle is a physical, bruising runner who would project as an early-down between-the-tackles option for Brian Daboll's offense. Tyjae Spears is still under contract as the change-of-pace speed and receiving back, possibly leading to a healthy balance in the backfield. If dynamic options like Hall and Walker don't hit free agency, Dowdle would represent a good alternative for the Titans.