Reports: Steelers adding RB Rico Dowdle on 2-year deal

Field Level Media|published: 03/10/2026, 10:18am EDT

Dec 28, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (5) warms up before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Running back Rico Dowdle is signing a two-year, $12.25 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, multiple media outlets reported.

Dowdle rushed for over 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons with different teams. He had a career-best 1,079 rushing yards in 2024 with the Dallas Cowboys before totaling 1,076 to go along with a career-high six rushing touchdowns in 2025 with the Carolina Panthers.

He highlighted last season with a franchise-record 473 scrimmage yards over a two-game span. His production dipped considerably down the stretch, and he made no bones about testing the free agent market.

The reported addition of Dowdle helps the Steelers overcome the loss of running back Kenneth Gainwell, who reportedly agreed to a two-year, $14 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday.

Dowdle also will reunite with Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, who was the running back's head coach in Dallas.

With the Steelers, there is no certainty at the moment who will play quarterback. Aaron Rodgers, the starter in 2025, is a free agent.

Dowdle, 27, has rushed for 2,540 yards and 10 touchdowns in 69 career games (26 starts) with the Cowboys and Panthers since entering the NFL undrafted out of South Carolina.

He has added 95 receptions for 690 yards and six touchdowns.

--Field Level Media