Steelers Expected To Be More Successful On Offense Now That Team MVP Is Gone

Whenever the Pittsburgh Steelers made the decision during the 2025 offseason to sign Kenneth Gainwell to a one-year deal worth $1.79 million, few expected him to make the impact he ultimately did. Gainwell developed a strong connection with quarterback Aaron Rodgers and became a massive weapon in the passing attack. He also contributed as a runner, but not in a way that truly helped translate into a dominant rushing attack alongside Jaylen Warren.

Still, the duo provided a solid one-two punch, and many believed the running game could have been even better if Pittsburgh had received more production from its offense and had more wide receivers capable of consistently creating separation down the field.

Now, heading into the 2026 season, there are plenty of changes in the Steel City. First and foremost, the Steelers are entering the Mike McCarthy era after Mike Tomlin decided it was time to hang up his headset. McCarthy became just the fourth head coach since 1969 to lead the franchise. On top of that, Pittsburgh added 10 rookies through the 2026 NFL Draft and made several exciting additions in free agency and via trade to strengthen the roster across the board.

Following the 2025 season, many expected Gainwell to receive a sizable raise. The Steelers ultimately decided it was not worth matching that price and watched him depart in free agency. They quickly responded by signing running back Rico Dowdle, giving them an intriguing one-two punch with Dowdle and Warren. Even though Pittsburgh lost its team MVP from the 2025 season, the drop-off may not be significant. If anything, Steelers insider Jim Wexell said on his podcast The Steel City Insider that despite losing the team MVP, the running back room could actually be more effective in 2026.

"Rico Dowdle is showing some great hands, too," Wexell said. "I mean, in replacing the Kenneth Gainwell department, I think he is a more effective threat as a runner and more bang in the middle. He is showing some really good hands, too."

It's no secret that Gainwell excelled as a pass catcher after recording 73 receptions for 486 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns. Obviously, Gainwell helped the passing attack, but he was targeted 85 times. Many Steelers fans and pundits would simply argue that much of Gainwell's production came from dump-offs and checkdowns, as well as the way Pittsburgh's offensive scheme was set up.

That's likely why the Steelers didn't want to give him the raise he was expected to receive and instead elected to go with McCarthy's guy, Dowdle, on a $6.25 million deal. Though some Steelers fans would argue that the catch he made against the Detroit Lions just before halftime should have earned him a blank check, the Steelers likely made the right move.

Steelers Likely To Have Exciting Running Game In 2026

Many are fully anticipating that Warren and Dowdle could form one of the sneakier duos in the league because of their relentless styles and aggressive running. To accomplish that, though, it's important to understand what the roles of these guys will be. In 2025, Warren was expected to take over the lead role, but Gainwell really challenged him for it. 

In 2026, Warren and Dowdle will likely spend time splitting who leads the game in carries. Second-year running back Kaleb Johnson has also been progressing well, according to Wexell, but the exciting part is that Dowdle's hands are good enough that losing the team MVP won't hurt this offense. If anything, it could help it, as Dowdle is a better traditional running back and has more experience proving that.

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