Steelers News
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell appears unlikely to return to the team when free agency opens next month. ESPN reporter Brooke Pryor indicated it seems more probable the 26-year-old will sign elsewhere after a career-best season with Pittsburgh.
Gainwell joined the Steelers in March 2025 on a one-year contract worth $1.79 million. He totaled 537 rushing yards on 114 carries with five rushing touchdowns. His receiving production significantly elevated his value. He caught 73 passes for 486 yards and added three receiving touchdowns. The eight total touchdowns represented a new career high.
The running back finished as the RB16 in full-PPR fantasy leagues. This marked his highest fantasy ranking across five NFL seasons. Gainwell previously spent four years with the Philadelphia Eagles after they selected him in the fifth round of the 2021 draft. He won a Super Bowl with Philadelphia during the 2024 season.
Gainwell emerged as Pittsburgh’s primary receiving back during the 2025 campaign. He led the Steelers in receptions despite sharing backfield duties with Jaylen Warren. The team featured him heavily in the passing game under quarterback Aaron Rodgers. His versatility as a pass-catcher raised his market value heading into unrestricted free agency.
Contract negotiations are complicated by Pittsburgh’s historical approach to running back compensation. Pryor noted the Steelers typically avoid large financial commitments at the position. The franchise has maintained this philosophy for multiple years under various coaching staffs.
Pittsburgh’s offensive structure could shift under new leadership. Mike McCarthy became the team’s head coach on January 24, replacing Mike Tomlin, who stepped down after 19 seasons. McCarthy brings an offensive background and different scheme preferences compared to the previous regime. The Steelers also lost offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who departed in late January to become Ohio State’s offensive coordinator.
The Steelers finished the 2025 season with a 10-7 record and won the AFC North division. Their playoff run ended quickly with a 30-6 loss to Houston in the wild-card round on January 12. The defeat marked Pittsburgh’s seventh consecutive playoff loss dating back to the 2016 season.
Free agency begins March 11 at 4 p.m. Eastern time. Teams can start negotiating with pending unrestricted free agents during a two-day window beginning March 9. Gainwell will become an unrestricted free agent when his one-year deal expires. Multiple teams could pursue him based on his production this past season.
The running back market remains difficult to project each offseason. Teams have increasingly emphasized value contracts at the position rather than long-term investments. Gainwell’s receiving skills make him more attractive than traditional between-the-tackles runners. His age and limited career workload also work in his favor.
Pittsburgh faces uncertainty at quarterback with Rodgers contemplating retirement at age 42. The team holds the 21st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft scheduled for April 23-25. McCarthy and general manager Omar Khan must address multiple roster needs, including depth at wide receiver and upgrades to the offensive line.
The Steelers could prioritize younger running back options through the draft or pursue cheaper veteran additions. They drafted Kaleb Johnson from Iowa in the third round of the 2025 draft. Johnson saw limited action as a backup during his initial season. Warren remains under contract for 2026 as well.
