Steelers' signing suddenly backs out as player has change of heart

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Dean Lowry. Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Steelers' signing suddenly backs out as player has change of heart

Originally posted on Steeler Nation | By Brogan Noey | Last updated Apr 29, 2026 8:01 AM ET

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.

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. It was then reported on Tuesday that he had a change of heart and won't be signing quite yet.

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, and he has been fully cleared when it comes to his knee injury.

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. 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.

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.

This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.

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