The top of Pittsburgh’s backfield is unique. Led by Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle, two former undrafted free agents with 747-sized chips on their shoulders will handle the lion’s share of carries this season (with former third rounder Kaleb Johnson trying to squeeze in). The Steelers have a rich history of undrafted free agents but few at running back. The club is small and relative to the franchise’s history, recent among notable names. Willie Parker in 2004, Warren in 2022.
To date, only one UDFA Steelers running back has ever crossed 1,000 rushing yards. That was Parker, who first did it in 2005 and then again in 2006 and 2007. Can Warren, Dowdle, or both join the club?
Warren nearly did last season. Despite missing one game and splitting time with Kenneth Gainwell, Warren topped out at 958 yards. Reaching 1,000 isn’t what it used to be, but it remains a milestone. And don’t you think it’s inherently more common with the 17th game, either. There were as many 1,000 yard rushers in 2025 as there were in 2010 – 17 apiece.
Warren’s yet to do it. Dowdle has. He’s rushed for 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons, telling Missi Matthews in a recent interview he aims to make it three-straight. Despite falling in and out of favor with Chuba Hubbard in Carolina, Dowdle cracked four-digits to finish with 1,076 yards.
His knack for posting crooked numbers is key. Over the past two years, he’s put up five games with 130 or more rushing yards. That’s tied for third-most in the NFL, only trailing Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry.
Most games with 130+ rushing yards, 2024-2025:
1. Derrick Henry – 10
2. Saquon Barkley – 9
3. Rico Dowdle – 5
3. Bijan Robinson – 5
3. Jonathan Taylor – 5
Dowdle in elite company. Knows how to put up a big performance. #Steelers
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) March 13, 2026
Dowdle will need similar performances to reach his target number.
Parker and Warren are the most successful undrafted free agents in Steelers’ history. Only two others have ever posted even 500 yards in a season. Warren Heller in 1934 – two years before the NFL Draft even existed – and Bull Karcis in 1937.
Dowdle and Warren could become Pittsburgh’s next one-two punch. The Steelers focus will be on getting good production from both. On a personal level, they both have good reason to want 1,000 yards. And join Parker in a club currently occupied only by him.
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