Steelers bring back Dean Lowry, reuniting him with Mike McCarthy. A familiar face joins Pittsburgh's defensive line, adding crucial depth after his injury.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are waiting on Aaron Rodgers to make his decision about playing or retiring for the 2026 season.
New Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy won a Super Bowl with Rodgers during their time with the Green Bay Packers. That relationship didn't weigh on Pittsburgh's decision to hire McCarthy, but wasn't a negative this offseason.
On Sunday, the Steelers signed a player who was drafted by the Packers while McCarthy was the head coach.
Per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Pittsburgh is bringing back defensive tackle Dean Lowry, a fourth-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
"Veteran DE Dean Lowry is re-signing with the Steelers, source said," Rapoport posted on X. "Some important depth following the draft."
Lowry initially joined the Steelers in 2024 after spending 2023 with the Minnesota Vikings. He's played in 132 games and started in 85 games during his 10-year NFL career. He's recorded 271 tackles, 16.5 sacks and one forced fumble.
Lowry missed the entire 2025 season after suffering an ACL injury in preseason.
He wanted to turn the injury into a positive.
"During a training camp practice last week I sustained an ACL injury that will likely end my season," Lowry posted on his Instagram page. "Hard to comprehend the thoughts and emotions I have felt since then. Heartbroken I won’t get to fully experience the highs and lows of an NFL season with a group I love going to work with.
"The risks associated with this game and the unique aspect of a football team are what make this sport like no other. I’m completely resolved to turn this negative into a positive with gratitude each step of the way."
Lowry will have a chance to fight for playing time on the defensive line with the Steelers during training camp this summer. He'll reunite with a coach he worked with during his time with the Packers, which could help Lowry earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
Lowry played in 12 games and started one for the Steelers in 2024. He recorded five tackles, one sack and one pass defensed.