Steelers Land “Top-3” Offseason Steal That Could Transform Their Offense

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made some rather exciting moves this offseason. They decided to upgrade their skill positions, specifically on offense, by acquiring Michael Pittman Jr. and Rico Dowdle. The team acquired Pittman via trade for just a late-round pick swap with the Indianapolis Colts. Dowdle, on the other hand, was a surprise. The team made the bold decision to let 2025 Team MVP Kenneth Gainwell walk. He signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for two years, $14 million. Pittsburgh decided not to pay Gainwell, but rather to throw money at Dowdle. Dowdle now rejoins his former head coach, Mike McCarthy, who helped Dowdle rush for his first 1000-yard season. 

The Dowdle contract was actually cheaper than Gainwell's, coming in at two years, $12.25 million. Dowdle is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, one with the Dallas Cowboys and the other with the Carolina Panthers. In his lone season with the Panthers, he stole the backfield lead from Chuba Hubbard, whom the team just gave an extension to recently. Dowdle started 11 games, averaging 4.6 yards per carry, totaling 1,076 yards, and is a strong runner between the tackles. He has breakaway speed as well, and now joins Jaylen Warren in Pittsburgh's backfield. 

NFL reporter Eric Williams of Fox Sports recently made a list of the top-10 under-the-radar free agent deals in the offseason so far. Williams named the Dowdle deal the third best of the offseason, believing that the Pittman and Dowdle acquisitions will help the Black and Gold be a more efficient offense. 

"Dowdle is also familiar with Head Coach Mike McCarthy’s offense from spending time together with the Dallas Cowboys," said Williams. "Along with the expectation that Aaron Rodgers returns for another season, the addition of Dowdle, along with the trade for Michael Pittman Jr., should help create a more efficient offense for the Steelers."

Many argue that Dowdle's skill set better suits the Steelers' needs than that of Gainwell's. Dowdle's skills come more from being a pure runner than from being a receiver. Gainwell and Warren share similar skill sets, with Gainwell being more shifty and Warren being almost impossible to tackle one-on-one. Dowdle will give the Steelers a steadier workhorse in the backfield, while Warren can be better used as a receiving back. The former Panthers running back should be a big upgrade from Gainwell, who impressed last season, but was an odd fit with Warren. 

Dowdle's offensive line will be similar to the one he had in Carolina. With the Steelers still looking to upgrade at guard and maybe even left tackle, the offensive line could potentially become the best Dowdle's had so far in his career. The team will need year-three leaps from Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, and Troy Fautanu. 

Steelers' Running Back Duo Could Be Even Better In 2025

Make no mistake, Gainwell and Warren were an excellent duo, and the Steelers would certainly have been right to bring the new Buccaneer back to the Steel City. Warren though, is arguably a better threat as a receiver, as is Gainwell, compared to Dowdle. Gainwell got the brunt of the receiving work, as he led the Steelers in catches in 2025. This took potential big plays away from Warren. The Steelers likely won't do that with Dowdle, as he may possibly get the early down work, and Warren could be the third down back. It all depends on how McCarthy wants to use them.

Warren should still get his fair share of carries; they're paying him almost the same as Dowdle. Warren is arguably the better threat out in space, and the better pass blocker, while Dowdle is arguably a better threat in between the tackles. The Steelers could potentially have the perfect running back duo in 2026.

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