Dowdle.
Getty
RB Rico Dowdle.
The moves on offense keep on coming for the Pittsburgh Steelers at the start of the NFL’s legal tampering window. Just hours after trading for two-time 1,000-yard wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., Steelers GM Omar Khan has made another splash, this time in the backfield.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Steelers are signing veteran running back Rico Dowdle. After bouncing between the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers over the last two seasons, Dowdle reunites with former head coach Mike McCarthy in the Steel City.
Rico Dowdle Looks to Be Key Piece of Pittsburgh Steelers’ Offense
Rico Dowdle
GettyRico Dowdle helped the Carolina Panthers win the NFC South in 2025.
Dowdle, who now replaces former Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell, will be joining a running back room that includes veteran Steelers running back Jaylen Warren, who led the team in rushing this past season. Together, they could form one of the nastiest backfield duos in the league, especially when you look at how both players run the football.
Jordan Schultz
BREAKING: The #Steelers are signing former #Panthers standout RB Rico Dowdle, per multiple sources.
Dowdle has had back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons and now finds a new home.
In Dowdle’s case, he was one of the quieter stars in the league for one of the quietest teams. He was the Panthers’ leading rusher as he helped them reach the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 season. Not only did he rush for 1,076 yards and six scores in 2025, but he also rushed for 1,079 yards as a member of the Cowboys in 2024.
McCarthy was his coach for five seasons (2020-2024) after taking a chance on him as an undrafted rookie in 2020. Now, he whines up getting the chance to coach him again.
The Steelers’ Offense is Starting to Take Shape
DK Metcalf
GettyDK Metcalf led the Steelers in receiving yards in his first season since being traded from the Seahawks.
While the Steelers are still waiting for an answer from future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers on whether or not he will return to play his 22nd career season and second with the franchise, this doesn’t mean that an offensive identity isn’t starting to be shown for the team.
From the trade for Pittman to now, the signing of Dowdle, this offense appears to be taking on a physical identity. Wide receivers such as Pittman and DK Metcalf, along with tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, all stand at 6’3″ or taller. When fans couple their size with their abilities, it could lead to magical results on offense.
Now, this all can come back to Rodgers, though. The four-time MVP and Super Bowl champion has accomplished everything there is to accomplish in the league. He has made all of the money that any and every athlete dreams of making. His only incentive looks to be the love of the game.
But after he helped lead the team to an AFC North title last season at 42 years of age and on a fractured wrist, he proved that he could still play at a high level. If he were to return and replicate his 25 total touchdowns and seven interceptions from a season ago, it would not be a surprise to see this team go further in the playoffs.