Dream Teams Named For Gainwell, Seumalo – And They Aren’t The Steelers
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 yr, although?
The Steelers have a number 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 an enormous yr for the Steelers, main the crew in catches and profitable the crew’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 signingsneither 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 motive why Kenneth Gainwell was the Steelers’ MVP final yr. He averaged 4.7 yards to hold whereas speeding for 537 yards and 5 touchdowns. He additionally caught 73 passes for 486 yards and three touchdowns. Then, as Orr identified, Gainwell may additionally shield the quarterback. Gainwell was QB Aaron Rodgers’ private safety blanket in additional methods than one. Steelers General Manager Omar Khan mentioned the team would love to have Gainwell back in the fold in 2026however they have not 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 considered one of solely 4 groups to permit not less than 60 sacks (the opposite three allowed precisely 60). Don’t marvel 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 is a expertise concern, and generally there is a teaching concern. In the Raiders’ case, it was in all probability each. They already addressed the teaching concern, however a participant like Seumalo may also help deal with the expertise concern. Not solely can he play effectively, however he may assist deliver youthful gamers alongside as he did in Pittsburgh. beat author Ray Fittipaldo called it a “long shot” for the Steelers to re-sign Seumaloso that is much less of a shock.
Unfortunately, if Orr’s prediction comes true in free company, the Steelers might want to exchange key contributors in Kenneth Gainwell and Isaac Seumalo whereas additionally addressing huge points on the broad receiver place. Free company goes to be very attention-grabbing subsequent week.
