The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed one of the marquee free agents in their running back room. According to Tom Pelissero, they signed Rico Dowdle to a two-year, $12.25 million contract.
Dowdle is coming off two consecutive incredible 1,000-yard seasons. In the 2024 season with the Dallas Cowboys, Dowdle totaled 1,079 yards and two touchdowns on 235 carries. He also had 249 more yards and three touchdowns through the air.
But the Cowboys let Dowdle go and signed a one-year, $6.25 million contract with the Carolina Panthers in 2025. He was originally signed to be Chuba Hubbard’s backup. But when Hubbard was injured in Week 4, Dowdle took his opportunity.
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He gained 234 scrimmage yards and a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in Week 5, and had 239 yards against his former team in Week 6. He became the first player since Le’Veon Bell in 2014 to gain 230 or more scrimmage yards in two consecutive games. Overall, he finished the 2025 season with 1,076 yards and six touchdowns on 236 rushing attempts.
The Steelers are looking for someone to fit into their running back tandem with 27-year-old RB Jaylen Warren. They originally had Kenneth Gainwell, but he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so they found a replacement in Dowdell. Kaleb Johnson, a 2025 second-round pick, should still get carries as well.
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(tagsTotranslation)Carolina Panthers
