It’s the holiday season, which means it’s just about that time when NFL teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers vote for their own MVPs.
In 2024, OLB T.J. Watt was voted Steelers MVP for the fifth time in six years. Though he remains a very good player, it’s unlikely he’ll win the award for a sixth time this season.
Instead, there are a number of players who could carry the vote this season. Since the Steelers have been up and down and no player has truly emerged as the most valuable on the team, I thought it’d be a good time to present my unofficial ballot for Steelers MVP, ranking them from No. 1 to No. 5.
Away we go.
No. 1 — KENNETH GAINWELL, RB
Never in a million years did I think coming into the season that Gainwell would be so good — and so important — for the Steelers. Sure, he was a nice signing in free agency, coming to Pittsburgh on a one-year deal and escaping Saquon Barkley’s shadow in Philadelphia.
But with Jaylen Warren signing a contract extension before the start of the season, expectations were largely low for Gainwell. The Steelers certainly talked him up in training camp, stating he was more than a running back, but it was hard to take that seriously.
Then their actions spoke louder than their words. Gainwell has been a revelation for the Steelers. His huge performance in Dublin opened plenty of eyes, and he’s consistently built on that performance.
Gainwell has played 348 offensive snaps this season, along with another 125 on special teams. He’s second on the team in receptions with 50 for 286 yards and two touchdowns, and he’s rushed for a career-best 371 yards and four touchdowns on 80 carries.
Week after week, Gainwell has made big plays, whether that’s on the ground or through the air. He’s become an invaluable piece offensively and should really be a priority re-signing this offseason.
No. 2 — JALEN RAMSEY, DB
When the Steelers made the blockbuster trade to land Ramsey from the Miami Dolphins in late June, the expectation was he would solidify their cornerback position while also dabbling in the slot and playing safety in a pinch. But with injuries and struggles in the secondary, Ramsey made the move to full-time safety and has locked things down, helping Pittsburgh’s defense quietly improve against the pass.
He remains an elite-level tackler, missing just two tackles all season. He has two interceptions and a sack too and has provided good communication in the back end while bringing that edge the Steelers had been missing. Without him, who knows where the pass defense would be at this point in the season.
Though trading for him cost the Steelers Minkah Fitzpatrick, Ramsey has been everything they were hoping for. He’s been good in the locker room and on the field and has stepped up as a leader very quickly. The overall splash might not be there, but he’s been outstanding for the Black and Gold.
No. 3 — AARON RODGERS, QB
The argument could — and probably should — be made that he’s the top candidate for team MVP. That’s understandable. I could be talked into that. Rodgers started the season red-hot and looked like a gamble that had paid off for the Steelers. But in recent weeks he’s fallen off a bit and is now dealing with fractures in his left wrist.
Prior to Week 14 against the Ravens, Rodgers looked old and worn out. He struggled in the passing game and just wasn’t sharp. But Rodgers had his best performance of the season against the Ravens, pushing the football down the field with great success, and now looks like he’s in full control of the offense again.
Rodgers has brought great leadership and accountability to the offense, and his steady, calming presence has been huge for the Steelers in the midst of a tough stretch. That alone might be MVP-worthy.
No. 4 — CHRIS BOSWELL, K
The Wizard of Boz remains the elite of the elite. Without his right foot and leg, the Steelers might not have scored much last season. He probably should have been their MVP.
He’s not being called upon as much this season to put three points up on the board, but when he is summoned for a field goal attempt, more often than not Boswell continues to drill kicks. He’s 21-of-24 on the season and is a perfect 33-for-33 on extra points. He’s been pretty good with the new kickoff rule, too, though he did have a gaffe in Week 14 against the Ravens.
He was a first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler last season and should be a Pro Bowler this year again. He’s as dependable as they come in the kicking game and should be recognized as such by his teammates.
No. 5 — TROY FAUTANU, RT
Fautanu isn’t going to be the Steelers’ team MVP. He’s a right tackle and offensive linemen just don’t get that kind of recognition from teammates. In fact, no offensive lineman has been voted team MVP in Steelers history.
But that doesn’t anything away from what Fautanu has done this season. After missing most of his rookie season with a knee injury, Fautanu hit the ground running in Year 2 and has been one of the better right tackles in football. He’s allowed just 19 pressures and one sack this season, and he continues to turn heads with his hand usage and footwork.
Quietly, he’s been one of the most consistent performers up front for the Black and Gold, a guy you don’t have to worry about week after week.
HONORABLE MENTION
James Pierre, CB — I thought long and hard about putting him in my top five. But the sample size is too small compared to the others. Yes, Pierre has been great, but he’s played just 347 defensive snaps. That said, he’s been outstanding in coverage, allowing just 14 receptions on 33 targets for 142 yards. He recorded an interception in Week 14 against the Ravens and has nine pass breakups on the year. Things have really started to click for Pierre, and he looks like a guy the Steelers must prioritize re-signing this offseason.
Isaac Seumalo, LG — Much like Fautanu, Seumalo has quietly flown under the radar but has been very good. He’s battled a pectoral injury much of the season, but his performance hasn’t dipped. He’s allowed just 12 pressures and two sacks this season. Dating back to Week 8, Seumalo has allowed just two pressures and continues to put together a great season ahead of free agency.