While Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan has expressed interest in re-signing RB Kenneth Gainwell, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported on Saturday that the team is preparing for its 2025 MVP, along with OG Isaac Seumalo, “to explore the possibility of signing elsewhere during the free-agent period.”

Dulac wrote that Gainwell, coming off a season in which he totaled a career-high 1,023 scrimmage yards, “will enter free agency seeking a contract bigger than what the Steelers might be willing to pay him.” The Steelers still have starting RB Jaylen Warren under contract, as well as 2025 third-round pick RB Kaleb Johnson.

Gainwell became Pittsburgh’s third-down back last season after signing a one-year deal in free agency last year after four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. He quickly became a favorite checkdown target of QB Aaron Rodgers and a key contributor to Pittsburgh’s offense. In Week 4, with Warren out due to injury, Gainwell ran 19 times for 99 yards and two touchdowns against the Minnesota Vikings. He ran for 80+ yards in each game where he got 10 or more carries.

He finished the season with 537 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground while adding 73 receptions for 486 yards and three touchdowns.

While Seumalo has been a steady starter for the team at left guard, he’s dealt with injuries over the last two seasons and will turn 33 years old after next season. The expectation has been that Seumalo will sign elsewhere and the Steelers will need to seek his replacement either in-house or through the draft or free agency.

Dulac reported that if Seumalo leaves, the Steelers will target a veteran guard in free agency to replace him. In three seasons with the Steelers, Seumalo has made 44 regular-season starts. He missed four games with an injury in 2024 and three games with injuries last season. He was a Pro Bowl replacement at left guard in 2024.

It’s no guarantee the Steelers will lose either of them, but it sounds like it’s a strong possibility both will look to cash in during free agency. It’s a good opportunity for Gainwell coming off a career season, while Seumalo will be sought after as a reliable veteran starter.

Free agency officially opens on March 11, while the legal tampering period begins on March 9.