Dowdle Steelers.
Greg Auman of Fox Sports recently predicted that the Pittsburgh Steelers will sign Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle, who is set to become a free agent in 2026.
The Steelers could be in the market for a running back if pending free agent Kenneth Gainwell signs with another team, making the acquisition of a skilled player like Dowdle a realistic possibility. The Panthers RB has been a very consistent player over the past few seasons, which should create interest from several teams this offseason.
“Dowdle, 27, has had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for the Cowboys and Panthers — nearly identical years, within three yards and one carry of each other, with the exact same number of catches,” wrote Auman.
Dowdle.
GettyRB Rico Dowdle.
More on Dowdle and His Potential Fit in Pittsburgh
In 2025, Dowdle rushed for 1,076 yards and six touchdowns, averaging an impressive 4.6 yards per carry, according to ESPN.
On top of a strong rushing season, the Carolina RB showed the ability to be an effective receiving threat, racking up 39 receptions for 297 yards, averaging 7.6 yards per reception.
Whatever team lands Dowdle this offseason will be getting a RB with dynamic play-making ability.
“An explosive runner, he can work the edges or get vertical with the ball in zone schemes. And he gets up to top speed quickly,” wrote Matt Bowen of ESPN, regarding Dowdle.
Fan favorite and 2025 Steelers MVP Kenneth Gainwell is a more dangerous threat in the receiving game than Dowdle, recording 73 receptions for 486 receiving yards, according to ESPN. That being said, if Gainwell leaves Pittsburgh this offseason, Dowdle could make more sense as a replacement than other RBs set to hit the open market, as Dowdle will be a cheaper option than some of the top RBs entering free agency, while still being very reliable.
The Steelers will likely want to use their cap space on bigger roster needs in free agency, such as the secondary, wide receiver, and others.
Dowdle.
GettyDowdle has rushed for over 1,000 yards in past two seasons.
Other Running Backs to Watch Out For
Although Dowdle makes sense for the Steelers if they don’t retain Gainwell, there are other strong RBs set to hit free agency this offseason.
Some of the top names include Kenneth Walker of the Seattle Seahawks, Breece Hall of the New York Jets, Travis Etienne of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Javonte Williams of the Dallas Cowboys.
The Steelers could target one of these players as well if they decide to address the RB position in free agency, but a move like that would come at a steeper price.
Pittsburgh could also look to the 2026 NFL Draft. Cynthia Frelund of NFL Network projected the Steelers to select Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love with the 21st overall pick in her latest mock draft.
Love.
GettyRB Jeremiyah Love.