Running back Rico Dowdle is heading to the Pittsburgh Steelers after agreeing to a two-year, $12.25 million contract, according to NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero.
Dowdle leaves the Carolina Panthers after one season but arrives in Pittsburgh following his second straight 1,000-yard rushing campaign. He ran for 1,076 yards and six touchdowns on a career-high 236 carries in 2025 after previously breaking out with a 1,079-yard season for the Dallas Cowboys in 2024.
The move also reunites Dowdle with Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, who coached him in Dallas during his breakout season.
Dowdle is expected to help fill the void left by Kenneth Gainwell, who departed in free agency to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In Pittsburgh, Dowdle will join a backfield that includes Jaylen Warren as the Steelers reshape their rushing attack for the 2026 season.
Originally on the Cowboys’ roster from 2020 through 2024, Dowdle spent much of his early career in a limited role before emerging as a productive starter over the past two seasons. His ability to handle a heavy workload made him one of the more attractive running backs in the 2026 free-agent class and gives Pittsburgh another proven option in its backfield.
