Although the Steelers were interested in re-signing Kenneth Gainwell, Jaylen Warren will have a new running mate in 2026. Pittsburgh is adding Rico Dowdle, NFL insider Jordan Schultz tweets.
The former Cowboys rusher spent last season with the Panthers. Dowdle has gained 1,000 rushing yards in each of the past two seasons. Gainwell agreed to terms with the Buccaneers earlier today. As this 1-B back carousel spins, Dowdle will go from complementing/usurping Chuba Hubbard to working with Warren in 2026.
Dowdle is going into his age-28 season, but as a former third-stringer behind Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard in Dallas, he only has 567 career carries. This is a similar strategy to how Pittsburgh proceeded in 2025, with Gainwell a career Eagles backup. Dowdle has more tread on his tires by comparison, but he is also a much more accomplished back.
More to come.