New Steelers running back Rico Dowdle will be signing a two-year, $12.25 million deal with Pittsburgh, KPRC2’ Aaron Wilson reported late Monday.
Dowdle’s $6.125 yearly average is less than the $7 million former Steeler Kenneth Gainwell is expected to be making with the Tampa Buccaneers on his new deal.
Dowdle rushed for 1,076 yards and six touchdowns for the Carolina Panthers in 2025, averaging 4.6 yards per
carry. He added 297 yards and one touchdown as a receiver. Dowdle ultimately had 350 more yards from scrimmage than Gainwell in 2025. At 27, he’s one year older than Gainwell, and around 15 pounds heavier.
Technically, Dowdle will be making slightly more money per year than the Steelers’ incumbent starter, Jaylen Warren, who is entering this second year of a two-year, $11.9-million deal. It’s unclear how the Steelers plan on splitting the roles between Dowdle, Warren, and second-year running back Kaleb Johnson.
