Details have finally emerged on the Pittsburgh Steelers' newest running back. Kenneth Gainwell will receive a $1.79 million deal, with 620k guaranteed over a one-year contract after leaving the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles.
David Maialetti / Philadelphia Inquirer
New Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Kenneth Gainwell (14) makes a move and breaks a tackle during a professional football game against the New England Patriots during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Gainwell's addition to the Steelers continues the team's efforts to build up their offensive weapons. How much the Steelers want to invest in their offense while a starting quarterback is still being pinned down is ultimately the top question. According to a Steelers insider, it is possible they saw something in Gainwell that isn't apparent to other teams.
Mike DeFabo stated this week that someone in the Steelers' organization considered Gainwell an under-the-radar signing, going so far as to state he could be this year's DeShon Elliott.
Update on the Kenneth Gainwell contract: 1-year, $1.79 million deal with $620K guaranteed.
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) March 13, 2025
Had someone in the Steelers' organization tell me that Gainwell is going to be this year's DeShon Elliott in terms of an under-the-radar addition who does big things. We'll see. https://t.co/iIpqmYWXxJ
How can we expect Gainwell's time with the Steelers to pan out? Gainwell will look to fill the Najee Harris sized hole in the Steelers' offense. Being a career backup, Gainwell spent the last season playing behind Saquon Barkley. Moving to Pittsburgh gives Gainwell the opportunity to move out of Barkley's shadow and grow as a possible starter. It is yet to be determined where he will fall on the depth chart alongside his fellow Steelers running backs, however -- mainly Jalen Warren.
In his introductory press conference with the Steelers on Thursday, Gainwell said the Eagles' last game against the Steelers "opened their eyes" to him. He is ready to bring the same energy to playing for Pittsburgh, as he did playing against them.
Steelers Assistant General Manager Andy Weidl likely had a lot to do with this specific trade to Pittsburgh and his eyes have been on Gainwell for quite some time. When asked about Weidl, Gainwell had his assumptions.
"I'm pretty sure he was, and that game put their eyes on me even more," Gainwell admitted via Steelers.com about Weidl and the Steelers.
Gainwell's contract could be a testament to the Steelers' faith in the former Eagles running back to be a breakout star for the team. It's unlikely that numbers and stats alone convinced the Steelers to make the trade. However, Gainwell's performance against the Steelers in Week 14 of 2024 was likely the first domino to fall leading to the change-of-pace running back landing in Pittsburgh.
Gainwell has a promising resume. In his four years with the Eagles, he put up 1,185 rushing yards, and 721 receiving yards. He had seven carries for 20 yards against the Steelers, as well as three receptions and 40 receiving yards in 2024. Gainwell also boasts 612 career yards on kickoff returns, with an average of close to 25 yards per return, although he said that it wasn't something that was brought up much in his conversations with the Steelers. In the postseason, Gainwell had 13 carries for 42 rushing yards, with three receptions for 26 receiving yards in 2024.
AP photo
Gainwell runs through Pittsburgh defenders in the Eagles' last game against the Steelers.
Steelers Are Hoping Gainwell Can Bring Experience To Pittsburgh
The extent of Gainwell's success in Pittsburgh remains to be seen. The running back is the latest in the Steelers' major moves to bulk up their offense, after signing wide receiver DK Metcalf. Like many of his future teammates, Gainwell's success will likely be determined by the team's eventual quarterback. Going from a quarterback like Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia, to whoever the Steelers may land, could be a significant difference maker for Gainwell.
In Thursday's press conference, Gainwell noted that he wanted the Steelers to land the best quarterback possible, but wasn't discouraged by the team's current lack of a clear starting signal-caller. Along with the rest of the Steelers' revamped offense, Gainwell is posed to be an asset for the team and their eventual quarterback going forward.
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