Steelers Fans Brace for Potential Reunion of Mike McCarthy and Former RB Rico Dowdle

New Steelers coach McCarthy could look to reunite with Dowdle, raising questions about the future of running back Kenneth Gainwell.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Steelers have a new head coach in Mike McCarthy, and with free agency approaching, fans are eager to see how he will reshape the roster. One potential move that has been speculated is McCarthy trying to reunite with his former Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle. This could be seen as a controversial decision, as the Steelers have invested in young running back Kaleb Johnson and already have Jaylen Warren and former team MVP Kenneth Gainwell on the roster.

Why it matters

This potential move highlights the challenges facing the Steelers as they transition to a new era under McCarthy. It raises questions about the team's commitment to developing their younger talent, like Johnson, versus bringing in a veteran like Dowdle who has experience with the new coach. It also puts Gainwell's future in Pittsburgh in doubt, as he may be enticed to test the free agent market if the Steelers prioritize other running back options.

The details

NFL reporter Greg Auman of Fox Sports predicted that McCarthy could try to reunite with Dowdle, who has had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for the Cowboys and Panthers. Dowdle's market value is around $6.5 million, which would put him in a similar price range as Gainwell. The Steelers invested significant draft capital in Kaleb Johnson, so bringing in Dowdle could be seen as a controversial move that could stunt Johnson's development. Additionally, Gainwell had a breakout 2025 season and was named the team's MVP, so the Steelers will have to weigh whether to keep him or let him test free agency.

  • The Steelers hired Mike McCarthy as their new head coach after the 2025 season.
  • Free agency is rapidly approaching for the Steelers.

The players

Mike McCarthy

The 62-year-old is the new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, taking over after longtime coach Mike Tomlin retired following the 2025 season.

Rico Dowdle

A 27-year-old running back who has had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers. He previously played under McCarthy with the Cowboys.

Kenneth Gainwell

The Steelers' running back who was named the team's MVP in 2025 after a breakout season, becoming one of the team's best offensive weapons.

Kaleb Johnson

A young running back the Steelers drafted, who had a limited rookie season but remains a relative unknown.

Jaylen Warren

The Steelers' current starting running back.

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What they’re saying

“Dowdle, 27, has had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for the Cowboys and Panthers — nearly identical years, within 3 yards and one carry of each other, with the exact same number of catches. He had a lukewarm market a year ago and signed for $2.75 million with Carolina, but doubled his pay by cashing out another $2.75 million in incentives. Carolina leaning on Chuba Hubbard down the stretch could have him signing elsewhere. Would Mike McCarthy like him for a Dallas reunion in Pittsburgh?”

— Greg Auman, NFL reporter (Fox Sports)

What’s next

The Steelers will need to make decisions on their running back room in the coming weeks, including whether to re-sign Gainwell or potentially pursue Dowdle in free agency.

The takeaway

The Steelers' transition to the Mike McCarthy era is already raising interesting questions about the team's roster-building approach, particularly at the running back position. The potential reunion of McCarthy and Dowdle could have significant implications for the futures of Gainwell and Johnson, as the Steelers try to balance their long-term development with short-term needs.