Pittsburgh Steelers pivot after losing their team MVP, tapping Rico Dowdle's proven production to boost their offense.
The Pittsburgh Steelers quickly filled a backfield void by agreeing to terms on a two-year, $12.25-million contract with free agent running back Rico Dowdle on Monday night, after Kenneth Gainwell's departure.
Earlier in the day, the Steelers lost Gainwell, last year's MVP as voted by his teammates, when he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Gainwell spent just one season with Pittsburgh before departing.
Dowdle spent last season with the Carolina Panthers after playing the first five years of his career with the Dallas Cowboys. The 27-year-old was a workhorse in helping the Panthers win the NFC South title. He carried 236 times or 1,076 yards and six touchdowns, and caught 39 passes for 297 yards and one TD.
That came after Dowdle rushed 235 times for the Cowboys in 2024. Dowdle had just 96 carries over his first four seasons.
Gainwell was one of the best bargains in the NFL last year. After a four-year stint with the Philadelphia Eagles to start his career, he signed for just $1.79 million. In his most recent season, Gainwell rushed for 537 yards and five touchdowns on 114 carries and caught 73 passes for 486 yards and three TDs.
The Steelers won the AFC North title last season. However, they were 25th in the NFL in total offense and 26th in rushing yardage.
Jaylen Warren led Pittsburgh with 958 rushing yards and six touchdowns in 211 attempts. No one other than Warren or Gainwell rushed for more than 70 yards.
Rookie Kaleb Johnson fell short of expectations after being drafted in the third round. He finished with 69 yards on 28 carries.
The deal with Dowdle completed a busy day for the Steelers.
They acquired wide receiver Michael Pittman from the Indianapolis Colts via trade, then signed him to a three-year, $59-million contract extension. Pittsburgh anticipates Pittman will energize the offense and strengthen their depleted receiving corps.
The Steelers also came to terms on a three-year, $36.75-million deal with former Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean. Pittsburgh also plans to re-sign middle linebacker Cole Holcomb for two years at $5 million. The team will also bring back cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. on a one-year, $4-million contract.
The contracts do not become official until Wednesday, when the new NFL year begins.
The Steelers went 10-7 last season. They lost to the Houston Texans in an AFC Wild Card playoff game. Coach Mike Tomlin retired a day after the loss, on Jan. 13, following a 19-year stint. He was replaced by Mike McCarthy on Jan. 27.
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