Jaylen Warren

The Steelers on Monday signed Rico Dowdle, formerly of the Panthers, to a two-year deal worth $12.25 million, as Gainwell left Pittsburgh in favor of Tampa. DeFabo said the new-look Pittsburgh offense could see Warren occupy last year's Gainwell role (Gainwell was among the league leaders in running back targets and receptions). Warren, DeFabo said, "has been at his best in a third-down role and out of the shotgun; Warren is now likely to assume the pass-catching role that Gainwell occupied last year. Given the increased opportunities in this area, Warren may produce results similar to those of Gainwell, though he's not as refined as a route runner."

Dowdle will presumably form a one-two punch with incumbent starter Jaylen Warren in Pittsburgh after notching consecutive 1,000-yard seasons for the Cowboys and Panthers. It also signals a level of discomfort with former third-round pick Kaleb Johnson, who played sparingly during his rookie season following multiple special teams miscues. The financials of the contract were not immediately made available. Although unlikely to match the 235 carries he averaged the previous two seasons, Dowdle's size and frame keep his touchdown equity high on the run-first Steelers.

Likely to share time with Jaylen Warren BREAKING: The #Steelers are signing former #Panthers standout RB Rico Dowdle, per multiple sources. Dowdle has had back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons and now finds a new home. (Jordan Schultz on X) FF Today's Take: Dowdle is coming off a one-and-done season in Carolina where he topped 1000 yards and finished as the RB16 in half-ppr leagues. He'll form a duo with Jaylen Warren in Pittsburgh as the Kenneth Gainwell has departed for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency. The signing of Dowdle suggests the Steelers are not eager to give Kaleb Johnson a meaningful role to begin the 2026 season.

Dowdle will presumably form a one-two punch with incumbent starter Jaylen Warren in Pittsburgh after notching consecutive 1,000-yard seasons for the Cowboys and Panthers. It also signals a level of discomfort with former third-round pick Kaleb Johnson, who played sparingly during his rookie season following multiple special teams miscues. The financials of the contract were not immediately made available. Although unlikely to match the 235 carries he averaged the previous two seasons, Dowdle's size and frame keep his touchdown equity high on the run-first Steelers.

Although the Steelers were interested in re-signing Kenneth Gainwell, Jaylen Warren will have a new running mate in 2026. Pittsburgh is adding Rico Dowdle, NFL insider Jordan Schultz tweets. The former Cowboys rusher spent last season with the Panthers. Dowdle has gained 1,000 rushing yards in each of the past two seasons. Gainwell agreed to […]