Rico Dowdle promises a versatile skill set to bolster the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense.
One of the attributes that made Kenneth Gainwell the Pittsburgh Steelers’ MVP last season was his versatility as a running back. He could run, catch, block, and even help on special teams.
Gainwell left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency last week, signing a two-year, $14-million contract. In response, the Steelers signed Rico Dowdle to a two-year, $12.25-million contract after he spent last season with the Carolina Panthers.
While Dowdle may not replicate Gainwell’s style exactly, comparisons are inevitable. Still, Dowdle believes he can fill the versatility role, even if his strengths differ from Gainwell’s approach.
“I’m a versatile runner,” Dowdle said. "I can make guys miss but play physical when needed. I fit this offense, and my running style suits many offenses. I like being versatile.”
Dowdle is coming off back-to-back seasons with at least 1,000 rushing yards: first with the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, then last season with the Panthers as they won the NFC South.
Gainwell ran for 537 yards and caught 73 passes in his only season with the Steelers. Dowdle matched his career-high 39 receptions in each of the last two years.
However, Steelers coach and Pittsburgh native Mike McCarthy knows Dowdle well. They were together with the Cowboys for five seasons from 2020-24. Dowdle signed with Dallas as an undrafted free agent in 2020.
"He's a players' coach," Dowdle said of McCarthy. "He’s a great leader and loves Pittsburgh. It would mean more for him to win the trophy here."
Dowdle, 27, could help the Steelers contend for the Lombardi Trophy if he repeats last year’s output: 1,076 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 236 carries, plus 39 receptions for 297 yards and one TD.
However, Dowdle was dinged by Pro Football Focus for his poor blocking, earning an overall grade of 63.5. That ranked 54th among the NFL’s 59 halfbacks who played enough snaps to qualify.
Dowdle has 2,540 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 567 attempts over six years, along with 95 catches for 690 yards and six scores.
"Pittsburgh is a great football place,” Dowdle said. “When you hear Pittsburgh, you think football. Even when I played for Coach McCarthy back in Dallas, when we were talking about Pittsburgh, and when we came here and played, he would tell us about the atmosphere and the fan base. Getting back with Coach McCarthy was a big factor.
"I look forward to playing for some of the best fans in the world. I know they love football here. That’s one thing for certain about Pittsburgh. I’m excited to put on the black and gold.”