The Pittsburgh Steelers are quick approaching free company subsequent Wednesday. Understandably, many individuals are specializing in who the Steelers may add to assist bolster the roster. What in regards to the gamers that had been in Pittsburgh final 12 months, although?
The Steelers have loads of upcoming free brokers, however two names have a tendency to stay out among the many bunch – RB Kenneth Gainwell and G Isaac Seumalo. Gainwell had a giant 12 months for the Steelers, main the staff in catches and successful the staff’s Most Valuable Player award. Seumalo was a stalwart on the offensive line, serving to information younger offensive linemen all through his time in Pittsburgh.
Yet when SI’s Conor Orr made his list of dream free agency signings, neither Gainwell nor Seumalo stayed in Pittsburgh. Instead, they each departed for AFC West rivals. Orr paired Gainwell with the Kansas City Chiefs. He then had Seumalo heading to the Las Vegas Raiders to bolster their offensive line.
“Gainwell is an excellent pass protector and receiver who could benefit Patrick Mahomes much in the way Jerick McKinnon used to be both a functional bodyguard and third-down ace as a wide receiver,” Orr wrote. “In watching the Steelers last year, the case could be made that Gainwell was arguably the team’s most clutch offensive player, and while he doesn’t necessarily create mismatches, he is excellent at understanding the symphony of a crowded backfield and how to make himself useful to his quarterback and offensive line.”
There’s a cause why Kenneth Gainwell was the Steelers’ MVP final 12 months. He averaged 4.7 yards a carry whereas dashing for 537 yards and 5 touchdowns. He additionally caught 73 passes for 486 yards and three touchdowns. Then, as Orr identified, Gainwell additionally may defend the quarterback. Gainwell was QB Aaron Rodgers’ private safety blanket in additional methods than one. Steelers General Manager Omar Khan stated the team would love to have Gainwell back in the fold in 2026, however they haven’t reached an settlement as of writing.
So, maybe Gainwell will search his fortunes, each financially and playing-wise, elsewhere. With how the Chiefs struggled in 2025, little question QB Patrick Mahomes would love a safety blanket like Gainwell.
Speaking of struggling, there’s the Raiders offensive line. The Raiders allowed 64 sacks final season, most within the NFL. They had been certainly one of solely 4 groups to permit at the very least 60 sacks (the opposite three allowed precisely 60). No surprise they need assistance.
“The Raiders need offensive line help almost everywhere,” Orr wrote. “Though I think some of the unit has simply not been coached well to this point and there could be some breakout potential under Rick Dennison, the team’s new offensive line coach.”
Sometimes there’s a expertise situation, and typically there’s a training situation. In the Raiders’ case, it was most likely each. They already addressed the teaching situation, however a participant like Seumalo may help handle the expertise situation. Not solely can he play nicely, however he may assist convey youthful gamers alongside as he did in Pittsburgh. Beat author Ray Fittipaldo called it a “long shot” for the Steelers to re-sign Seumalo, so that is much less of a shock.
Unfortunately, if Orr’s prediction comes true in free company, the Steelers might want to change key contributors in Kenneth Gainwell and Isaac Seumalo whereas additionally addressing huge points on the vast receiver place. Free company goes to be very attention-grabbing subsequent week.
