Report: Gunner Olszewski Leaving Patriots, Signing With Steelers

The New England Patriots lost another valuable player in free agency. Head coach Bill Belichick knew that several players will probably find homes somewhere else. Gunner Olszewski is one of them and he is now leaving the Patriots to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Belichick lost a talented punt returner and this is a big blow for the team.

Ian Rapoport from NFL Media reported that Olszewski will sign a two-year deal worth $4.2 million.

Former #Patriots All-Pro kick returner Gunner Olszewski is headed to the #Steelers, source said. He gets a 2-year deal worth $4.2M.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2022

Olszewski may be the best replacement for Ray-Ray McCloud.

Gunner Olszewski is leaving the Patriots after successful stint

The veteran came to New England as an undrafted free agent out of Division-II Bemidji State in 2019. He played at cornerback in college and became a wide receiver for the Patriots. The team gave him a chance in his rookie campaign and he used the best of it.

The talented player was an All-Pro in 2020. He did an exceptional work on special teams and led the NFL in punt return average. Olszewski was the Patriots’ kick and punt returner in the last couple of seasons and also worked on other teams units. In 2021, he had seven tackles.

Of course, Olszewski’s return numbers went a little down last season and the Patriots didn’t tender him this time. The Steelers will use Olszewski as a replacement for McCloud. He will be their starting kick and punt returner and comes at a cheaper rate.

McCloud joined the San Francisco 49ers and signed a two-year deal with the team. This deal gives him $10 million. Olszewski isn’t the best receiver in the NFL and he has just nine passes in his career. The Steelers have to make a few changes and boost their offense. They also have to replace JuJu Smith-Schuster who left the team to join the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Patriots have a few big holes on their roster. Belichick doesn’t have a reason to be worried. He lost valuable players but his offseason plans are great. The team has a chance to add all the players it needs to compete for a title in 2022.