Steelers Sign RB Rico Dowdle to 2-Year Deal

Contract details revealed for Pittsburgh's new backfield addition

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed free agent running back Rico Dowdle to a two-year, $12.25 million contract. Dowdle, who previously played for the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers, will join the Steelers' backfield after a productive 2025 season where he rushed for over 1,000 yards.

Why it matters

The Steelers were in the market for a running back this offseason after losing Kenneth Gainwell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Dowdle's signing provides depth and experience to the Steelers' ground game as they look to build on a strong 2025 campaign.

The details

Dowdle's contract is worth slightly less per year than the $14 million deal Gainwell received from the Buccaneers. However, Dowdle was the more productive back in 2025, rushing for 1,076 yards at a 4.6 yards-per-carry clip compared to Gainwell's 537 yards. Dowdle also has familiarity with Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, who signed him as an undrafted free agent in Dallas in 2020.

  • Dowdle and the Steelers agreed to the two-year deal on Monday, March 10, 2026.

The players

Rico Dowdle

A free agent running back who previously played for the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers, and has now signed a two-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Kenneth Gainwell

A running back who left the Steelers to sign a two-year, $14 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Mike McCarthy

The head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who previously signed Dowdle as an undrafted free agent when he was the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.

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What they’re saying

“The contract details have been revealed for the free agent deal agreed to on Monday between the Pittsburgh Steelers and running back Rico Dowdle.”

— Aaron Wilson, Reporter (KPRC)

What’s next

The Steelers will look to integrate Dowdle into their offense during the upcoming offseason program and training camp as they prepare for the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

The Steelers have added a productive and experienced running back in Rico Dowdle, who should provide a solid complement to their backfield as they aim to build on their success from the 2025 season.