Steelers' Offseason Additions Likely Signal The End For One Of Arthur Smith's Favorite Weapons

The Pittsburgh Steelers surprised many fans when they opted not to give running back Najee Harris a fifth-year extension on his rookie contract before the 2024 season. Ever since then, debates have raged about whether they would keep him, especially after he had his fourth 1,000-plus-yard season. Ultimately, Harris signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Steelers tendered an offer to Jaylen Warren for 2025.  

Mark Kaboly from The Pat McAfee Show told his podcast co-host, Chris Mack on their show Kaboly and Mack, that he sees what the Steelers are trying to do with the running back room. He believes that adding Gainwell helps signify the end of another player's time in Pittsburgh, Cordarrelle Patterson. 

Kaboly explained that he sees Warren as "1A" and Gainwell as a third-down back. He noted his strengths are kick return, catching the ball out of the backfield, and pass protection. In that way, he is moving into Warren's roles when Harris was on the roster. Kaboly quickly points out that he brings a different dynamic than Warren. All of that means there is no spot left for Patterson.  

"Now, Cordarrelle Patterson's on his way out," explained Kaboly. "Probably not until after the draft, though, because they have to make sure they have somebody in his place - if it's the draft, if it's a guy later in free agency. You don't just cut a guy and just say, 'Oh, there's a hole here.' You have to make sure you at least have somebody in place. So I would imagine he would be on his way out because where's he going to fit right now? You got your kick returner; you got your punt returner in [Calvin] Austin. You got your third-down back unless they want him as a backup kind of running back."

Patterson became a household name in the league for setting the record for the most kick returns for a touchdown with nine in 2022. He played under Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith when they were both with the Atlanta Falcons. The kickoff rule changed coming into the 2024 season, and Pittsburgh felt that Patterson would be a major asset, but he was more of a letdown. 

He did have a few bright spots, particularly early in the season before he was injured. A kind of hybrid running back / wide receiver, many fans expected some highlight-worthy moments from Patterson, but instead, he looked out of place. That led fans to believe he was there solely because of his relationship with Smith. 

Steelers Have Decisions To Make About Other Former Players Of Arthur Smith

It isn't unusual for coaches to want to bring players they know well with them when they change teams, and Smith was no exception. In addition to Patterson, the Steelers also acquired Scotty Miller, MyCole Pruitt, and Van Jefferson for 2024. The Tennessee Titans have already picked up Jefferson. 

The Steelers have already re-signed Miller to another one-year contract. He proved to be reliable and displayed good hands last season when called upon. Miller was also a contributor on special teams. 

Pruitt, a tight end, was expected to be more of a special teams guy, but instead found himself only playing 15 snaps with that unit all season. He did play 34% of the offensive snaps. Now that he is almost 33, it is hard to imagine the Steelers will have him return, especially with the addition of Donald Parham Jr.