Steelers Face Offseason of Reckoning: Why Stability Starts with Gainwell, Dugger, and Seumalo
The 2025 season was a bold swing for the Pittsburgh Steelers-a calculated, all-in push that delivered a division title but ended in a harsh reminder of just how unforgiving the NFL can be. Now, as the franchise enters the 2026 offseason, it finds itself at a critical juncture.
The Mike Tomlin era is officially in the books after 19 seasons, and the arrival of Mike McCarthy marks the beginning of something new. But before the Steelers can fully turn the page, they need to decide which foundational pieces are worth carrying forward.
This isn’t just a rebuild. It’s a redefinition.
A Season of Highs-and a Gut-Punch Ending
Pittsburgh’s 11-6 record and AFC North crown were the product of a veteran-heavy roster built to win now. The headline move, of course, was the midseason acquisition of Aaron Rodgers.
And for a stretch, it worked. Rodgers brought poise and command to the offense, while the defense-true to Steelers tradition-remained one of the most punishing units in the league.
Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, and DK Metcalf gave the offense a balanced, if sometimes inconsistent, identity. With Acrisure Stadium buzzing and a home playoff game on the schedule, there was real belief that this team had one more deep run in them.
Then came the Wild Card round.
Houston’s young, explosive roster overwhelmed the Steelers in a 30-6 beatdown that exposed every crack in the foundation. Rodgers was under relentless pressure, the run game vanished, and the defense was gassed from being on the field far too long. Within a day, Tomlin announced his retirement, and just like that, an era was over.
The loss didn’t just end a season-it forced the franchise to take a hard look in the mirror.
The Offseason Checklist: More Questions Than Answers
Quarterback is the most obvious issue. Rodgers is expected to retire, leaving a massive void under center.
The wide receiver room is thin, especially with Adam Thielen calling it a career. That puts even more pressure on Metcalf to carry the passing attack.
Defensively, the secondary needs help at both safety and cornerback. The defensive line must start planning for life without Cam Heyward.
And the offensive line-while showing flashes-still has holes to fill and young talent to develop. Linebacker remains a question mark, too.
This is the roster Mike McCarthy inherits: talented but aging in key spots, and in need of a serious identity refresh. That’s why retaining the right veterans-guys who bring leadership, production, and scheme fit-isn’t just important. It’s essential.
Let’s break down the three players Pittsburgh simply can’t afford to lose.
Kenneth Gainwell: The Versatile Spark Plug
Key stats: 1,023 scrimmage yards, 8 total touchdowns, 4.7 yards per carry
If there was a silver lining to Pittsburgh’s offensive inconsistencies in 2025, it was Kenneth Gainwell. He wasn’t just a contributor-he was a lifeline. Whether as a runner, a receiver, or a safety valve for Rodgers when the pocket collapsed, Gainwell delivered time and again.
In a season where rhythm was hard to come by, he brought consistency. In a playoff game where almost nothing worked, he still found ways to churn out positive yards. That’s not just talent-it’s reliability under pressure.
As McCarthy installs a West Coast-influenced system, Gainwell’s skill set becomes even more valuable. He’s a natural fit for an offense built on quick decisions, versatility, and timing. And with uncertainty looming at quarterback, having a back who can do a little bit of everything is a luxury Pittsburgh can’t afford to let walk.
Kyle Dugger: The Tone-Setter in the Secondary
Key stats: 59 tackles, 2 interceptions, 5 passes defensed, 1 defensive touchdown
Kyle Dugger didn’t just bring production-he brought an edge. His physical style and football IQ allowed the Steelers to get creative on the back end. He freed up Jalen Ramsey to take more risks, and his ability to disguise coverages gave Pittsburgh’s defense a much-needed layer of deception.
Down the stretch, Dugger came up big in key moments, delivering momentum-shifting plays that helped secure the division. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t just fill a role-he defines a defensive identity.
As the roster trends younger and some of the old guard begins to phase out, Dugger’s presence becomes even more important. He’s a leader, a communicator, and a tone-setter. Losing him would leave a hole that goes beyond the stat sheet-and rebuilding a secondary without him would stretch this coaching staff thin right out of the gate.
Isaac Seumalo: The Steadying Force Up Front
Key stats: 1,020 snaps, 0 holding penalties
While much of the attention on Pittsburgh’s offensive line centered around the development of younger players, Isaac Seumalo was the glue. He played over 1,000 snaps without a single holding penalty-an impressive feat in today’s NFL-and consistently held his own against elite interior pass rushers.
In McCarthy’s offense, interior protection isn’t just nice to have-it’s non-negotiable. Whether the Steelers go with a rookie quarterback or a short-term veteran option, having a rock-solid presence inside is critical to keeping the offense on schedule.
Seumalo’s professionalism and consistency elevate everyone around him. He’s the kind of veteran who helps young linemen grow, quarterbacks trust, and coaches sleep a little easier. Letting him walk would risk stalling the development of the entire offensive front.
The Bottom Line: Keep the Core, Then Build
Re-signing Gainwell, Dugger, and Seumalo won’t magically fix everything in Pittsburgh. But it will keep the floor from falling out. These are three players who bring production, leadership, and scheme fit at premium positions-and in a transitional offseason, that kind of stability is gold.
The Steelers are entering a new era. Before they chase the next big name or swing for the future, they need to make sure the present is secure.
These three players are the bridge between what Pittsburgh was and what it hopes to become. And that makes them worth every penny.