Steelers Reunite Mike McCarthy With Former Packers Draft Pick

Steelers Reunite Mike McCarthy With Former Packers Draft Pick

The Pittsburgh Steelers are waiting on Aaron Rodgers to make his decision about playing or retiring for the 2026 season.

New Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy won a Super Bowl with Rodgers during their time with the Green Bay Packers. That relationship didn't weigh on Pittsburgh's decision to hire McCarthy, but wasn't a negative this offseason.

On Sunday, the Steelers signed a player who was drafted by the Packers while McCarthy was the head coach.

Per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Pittsburgh is bringing back defensive tackle Dean Lowry, a fourth-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

"Veteran DE Dean Lowry is re-signing with the Steelers, source said," Rapoport posted on X. "Some important depth following the draft."

Lowry initially joined the Steelers in 2024 after spending 2023 with the Minnesota Vikings. He's played in 132 games and started in 85 games during his 10-year NFL career. He's recorded 271 tackles, 16.5 sacks and one forced fumble.

Lowry missed the entire 2025 season after suffering an ACL injury in preseason.

He wanted to turn the injury into a positive.

"During a training camp practice last week I sustained an ACL injury that will likely end my season," Lowry posted on his Instagram page. "Hard to comprehend the thoughts and emotions I have felt since then. Heartbroken I won’t get to fully experience the highs and lows of an NFL season with a group I love going to work with.