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Around the AFC North: Steelers Brace for Two Key Offensive Free Agency Departures

Steelers RB Kenneth Gainwell
Steelers RB Kenneth Gainwell

With the NFL Scouting Combine in the books, teams are preparing for free agency.

Here is the latest on the Ravens' AFC North rivals:

Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenneth Gainwell and Isaac Seumalo to Test Free Agency

Eyes are still glued, for a second straight offseason, on Aaron Rodgers' future, but the Steelers have two other key offensive players to monitor.

Running back Kenneth Gainwell and guard Isaac Seumalo are expected to test free agency, and the Steelers are bracing for their departure, per the Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac.

"The Steelers are expecting running back Kenneth Gainwell, who led the team in receptions and was voted team MVP, and possibly veteran guard Isaac Seumalo to explore the possibility of signing elsewhere during the free-agent period," Dulac wrote.

"They intend to test the market to see what offers might be out there. It doesn't mean the Steelers don't want them back. It just comes down to the price."

Gainwell caught 73 passes and totaled 1,023 scrimmage yards, including 537 yards on the ground. However, the Steelers gave lead running back Jaylen Warren a two-year contract extension last year and drafted Kaleb Johnson in the third round.

After a breakout 2025 season, Gainwell may be looking for a leading role and more money elsewhere.

Seumalo has arguably been the Steelers' best offensive lineman over the past three seasons. He was the league's sixth-highest graded pass blocking guard last year.

Cleveland Browns: Trade Is a Head Start on Rebuilding Offensive Line

The Browns have six offensive linemen set to hit the market this offseason, but they got a head start on their rebuild Monday morning.

The Browns and Houston Texans agreed to terms on a trade with veteran right tackle Tytus Howard going to Cleveland in exchange for a fifth-round pick, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Howard, who was entering the final year of his contract, will reportedly get a three-year, $63 million extension as part of the trade.

Howard can play right tackle or either guard spot. The Browns have offensive linemen Joel Bitonio, Jack Conklin, Ethan Pocic, Wyatt Teller, Cam Robinson, and Teven Jenkins all set to hit the open market.

"Rebuilding the O-line is a priority for general manager Andrew Berry," NFL.com’s Kevin Patra wrote. "Plugging in a capable veteran with position versatility like Howard is a good initial move. There's plenty more to come."

Bengals: Offensive Lineman Re-Signed, But Trey Hendrickson Set to Leave

The Browns weren't the only AFC North team doing business on the offensive line Monday morning.

The Bengals re-signed one of their best offensive linemen, Dalton Risner, to a one-year deal worth up to $5 million, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Risner started nine of his 14 appearances at right guard last season, including the final seven games of the season. He did especially well in pass protection and will now keep protecting quarterback Joe Burrow, who publicly advocated for Risner's return.

"I take a lot of pride in it, and I'll put my body and my job and my career on the line for that guy. I can promise you that," Risner said, per Cleveland.com.

The Bengals have their entire starting offensive line from last season returning. However, it's looking more and more likely that star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson will be leaving.

Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Bengals are not expected to place the franchise tag on Hendrickson, who had 17.5 sacks in 2023 and 2024.

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