The Pittsburgh Steelers are re-signing veteran defensive end Dean Lowry, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Lowry, who missed the 2025 season after tearing his ACL, returns to provide depth on the defensive line after the draft. Contract terms were not immediately available, but the deal is expected to be a one-year pact near the veteran minimum.
Ian Rapoport reported Saturday that a source confirmed Lowry's return to Pittsburgh. The 31-year-old, turning 32 in June, initially joined the Steelers on a two-year deal before the 2024 season. That year, he appeared in 12 games, logging five tackles, one sack and a blocked kick, though his snaps were limited and he was inactive to end the campaign. Early in 2025 training camp, Lowry suffered a torn ACL in his right knee, landing him on injured reserve for the full year. Now presumed healthy, he aims to earn a roster spot in the offseason competition. Lowry brings 132 career games and 85 starts, mostly from his time with the Green Bay Packers, where current Steelers defensive coordinator Patrick Graham coached in 2018. Pittsburgh seeks to bolster a run defense that ranked 15th in yards per carry allowed last season. The team surrendered 164 rushing yards in a playoff loss to the Houston Texans and 299 in the 2024 wild-card defeat to the Baltimore Ravens. Recent additions include veteran Sebastian Joseph-Day and sixth-round draft pick Gabriel Rubio from Notre Dame, alongside younger players like Esezi Otomewo, Logan Lee and undrafted free agent Kevin Jobity Jr.
