Steelers' New Running Back Kenneth Gainwell Admits It Wasn't Easy Joining Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a major shift in their backfield this offseason, allowing former first-round pick Najee Harris to walk in free agency. Harris signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, ending his tenure in Pittsburgh and leaving the Steelers to rework their running back depth. In response, the team tendered Jaylen Warren, ensuring his return, and signed former Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell to a one-year deal.

Gainwell arrives in Pittsburgh fresh off a Super Bowl-winning season with the Eagles, where he played a key role as the backup to Saquon Barkley, widely regarded as the best running back in the league. While he wasn’t the primary ball carrier, Gainwell thrived when given opportunities and contributed significantly to Philadelphia’s championship run. Now with the Steelers, he’s expected to take on an expanded role, providing him with a new opportunity to showcase his talent on a bigger stage.

During his introductory press conference with the Pittsburgh media on Thursday, Gainwell was asked about the challenge of leaving a Super Bowl-winning team to join a franchise that hasn’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season. When pressed on how difficult it was to turn the page, Gainwell didn’t shy away from giving an honest answer.

"It was bittersweet," Gainwell said. "You know life goes on and so I love those guys, but at the end of the day, a man got to be a man and step up at the next level in the next part of his life, so."

Anytime a team wins the Super Bowl, roster changes are inevitable the following season. For a player coming off a championship run with a well-constructed team, leaving for a one-year deal elsewhere is never an easy decision. However, as Gainwell explained, sometimes stepping out of a comfort zone and embracing new challenges is necessary for growth.

That’s exactly what Gainwell chose to do. He recognized his talent and the potential for an expanded role—something that wasn’t possible while playing behind Barkley. Despite thriving in his opportunities with the Eagles, he understood that remaining in Barkley’s shadow wouldn’t provide him with the opportunities he needed to take the next step in his career.

Gainwell did, however, take full advantage of his time in Philadelphia, learning invaluable lessons from one of the league’s elite running backs. Now, he plans to bring that knowledge and experience to Pittsburgh, where he’s eager to prove himself in a bigger role.

The Steelers find themselves in an intriguing position. By letting Harris walk in free agency, they freed up cap space but have only brought in Gainwell as a replacement so far. While both Warren and Gainwell have shown flashes of playmaking ability, neither has been a full-time starter in their career. Now, both backs will be asked to step into significantly larger roles and prove they can handle the increased workload.

Steelers' Jaylen Warren Is Set To Have A Ton More Pressure On Him In 2025

For Warren, the challenge is especially unique. No longer the underrated, explosive change-of-pace back, he will now be the focal point of the Steelers' rushing attack. That means defenses will key in on him more than ever, and he won’t have the benefit of flying under the radar. It’s a new level of pressure that he hasn’t faced before, making his transition to a feature back role a critical storyline heading into the season.

The Steelers are also expected to add another running back in the 2025 NFL Draft, which is stacked with talent at the position. Many draft analysts anticipate Pittsburgh selecting a running back on Day 2, potentially landing an immediate contributor. A backfield trio of Warren, Gainwell, and a dynamic rookie could bring an exciting new dimension to the Steelers’ offense. 

While this setup will look much different than when Harris was in town, it could ultimately lead to a more efficient and balanced rushing attack. It also could be much worse. That's the risk Pittsburgh is taking by moving on from Harris.

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