The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a fairly successful offseason so far in 2026. The organization did a great job of plugging up some holes on the roster while also acquiring some much-needed depth. The 2026 NFL Draft just wrapped up and the Steelers brought some good, young players into the organization that will look to make an impact immediately. The most impressive part of the offseason for Pittsburgh has probably been free agency. The organization addressed needs while also getting a ton of value, and the franchise also prioritized re-signing some important players that were free to sign elsewhere.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan stands on the field before a road game against the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2025 season.
The main re-signing that fans loved was that of cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. He played well for the Steelers and came at a good value. News broke of Pittsburgh also re-signing defensive lineman Dean Lowry on Sunday. Lowry has been with the team for the last two seasons, but he suffered a torn ACL in training camp last year that forced him to miss the entire 2025 season. He reportedly re-signed with the team on Sunday, but it was reported on Tuesday that he had a change of heart and won't be signing quite yet. Ian Rapoport was the first to break the news.
Upon further review: Dean Lowry has decided to take a little more time to work into playing shape. He did not take a physical, but he has been fully cleared from last season’s injury. https://t.co/x9hXCUagjo
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 28, 2026
The details of Lowry's signing weren't very clear, but it was obvious he was going to be a depth piece that would be competing for a legitimate roster spot. After missing an entire year with a torn ACL, it would be unclear how he would be as a player, especially as he is on the wrong side of 30. He didn't fail a physical or anything before getting to sign his contract, and he has been fully cleared by other doctors when it comes to his knee injury.
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Steelers defensive lineman Dean Lowry walking on the field at the team practices during 2024 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Lowry has been in the NFL for 10 seasons, and he has spent time with the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. He was a consistent starter throughout his time in Green Bay, and he was a pretty good run stuffer while with the Packers. He spent seven seasons with the Packers before taking one year in Minnesota. He has been in Pittsburgh for two seasons, although he missed all of last year. In 2024, he played in 12 games and recorded a pass breakup, five total tackles, and a sack.
This doesn't sound like it shuts the door on Lowry being back in Pittsburgh for the 2026 season. He wants to get himself into better shape, and he could still sign a contract once training camp gets closer. He could also sign a contract elsewhere if he wanted, maybe somewhere that it might be easier to get on the field.
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Steelers' Gabriel Rubio during his time with Notre Dame.
Steelers' Rookie Sees Big Win In New Development
Pittsburgh lost Lowry, for now, but that could be good news for a rookie like Gabriel Rubio out of Notre Dame. Due to the fact that the Steelers have 10 drafted rookies on the roster, there is a high chance that at least one or two of the late-round picks do not make the roster. Rubio was one of the ones that have been projected to get cut, but he could break out as a depth piece if the defensive tackle position remains the way it is as of right now. The Steelers can still explore other options when it comes to defensive tackles that are still free agents, but the room already looks better than it did at this time in 2025.
What do you think of Lowry backing out of signing with the Steelers? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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