Despite head coach Dave Canales’ insistence on establishing a tandem backfield with Chuba Hubbard, it became clear that Rico Dowdle was Carolina’s best back in 2025, logging 1,076 rushing yards and six rushing scores on 236 attempts. Dowdle is also headed toward free agency in 2026. Hubbard returns on his rookie deal, but it would behoove the Panthers to both replace Dowdle and also attempt to improve their 19th-ranked rushing attack, especially with another pivotal season approaching for quarterback Bryce Young. Walker enters the conversation because of this need and also because of Canales’ connection to Walker. Canales served on Pete Carroll’s staff in Seattle as quarterbacks coach in 2022, Walker’s rookie season with the Seahawks, and Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik was also in Seattle in 2022 as an assistant receivers coach before following Canales to Tampa Bay and Carolina. In a huge league that operates in a small world, familiarity often drives new pairings. With a little over $9 million in available cap, the Panthers will need to clear some space in order to make multiple additions to their roster, especially given that Walker will likely command roughly $9 million per year with his next contract. But the pairing makes sense, especially when considering how much Canales likes to lean on a tandem behind center.