Who Should I Start? DK Metcalf or Rico Dowdle

Thursday, May 29, 6:10 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had preliminary conversations with multiple teams about potentially adding another playmaker on offense to complement wide receiver DK Metcalf, multiple sources tell FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. The Steelers are believed to be motivated to get something done at some point, even though there's still plenty of time before the Week 1 regular-season opener. Pittsburgh could have up to 12 picks in the 2026 NFL draft, so they have plenty of draft capital to get something done. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported earlier on Thursday that the Steelers and Miami Dolphins are involved in talks surrounding tight end Jonnu Smith, even though Pittsburgh already has Pat Freiermuth at the position. The Steelers traded receiver George Pickens to Dallas three weeks ago and are now looking for a pass-catcher to fill the void next to Metcalf. Perhaps they are trying to sweeten things for free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has yet to commit to playing in the Steel City in 2025.

Saturday, August 9, 4:08 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle showed a glimpse of his potential as a pass-catching threat in the team's preseason debut against the Cleveland Browns, recording one reception for 20 yards to go along with two rushes for seven yards. The 27-year-old running back is entering his sixth season in the NFL after spending his entire career with the Dallas Cowboys, which was riddled with injuries. Dowdle is clearly behind Chuba Hubbard on the depth chart, but could carve out a role in the Panthers' receiving or two-minute offense in 2025. Coming off an underwhelming 2024 season in Dallas, where high hopes for the lead back role didn't materialize (235-1,079-2 on the ground, 39-249-3 in the air), a move to a new location and a backup role could take some pressure off Dowdle and allow him to grow into his potential. Rotoballer currently projects him as RB55, but Dowdle could be a sneaky stash if anything happens to Hubbard throughout the season.