Steelers Likely To Lose Out On Budding Star Thanks To Arthur Smith

The Pittsburgh Steelers are going through a major organizational shift during the 2026 offseason as the franchise is currently looking for its next head coach after Mike Tomlin decided to step down after losing his seventh straight playoff game. The organization has already stated that his coaching staff has the freedom to look for jobs elsewhere, and no one that was on the staff during the 2025 season is going to be promised a job for the 2026 season. The new head coach will be able to hire who he wants, which could include some guys that were already in Pittsburgh. These big changes can also influence some free agency decisions.

A key free agent for Pittsburgh during the 2026 offseason is going to be running back Kenneth Gainwell. He signed a cheap, one-year deal with the organization during the 2025 offseason, and he is scheduled to hit the open market in March. The organization could reach an agreement on a new deal before then, but that is unlikely to happen as there is a lot of uncertainty to consider with the coaching staff. Gainwell also had the best season of his career while playing for Arthur Smith, who could end up being the offensive coordinator elsewhere. 

Team insider Mark Kaboly spoke about Gainwell and Smith on Monday during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan.

"He fit perfectly what Arthur Smith wanted to do," Kaboly said. "So, if you're Kenny Gainwell right now, if Arthur Smith and Tomlin, if everything was still in place, of course you'd come back. It's not always greener on the other side, right? You're not gonna get all that playing time somewhere else. Now, if I'm Kenny Gainwell, I'm looking where Arthur Smith lands. I'm thinking, 'Hey Artie, you want me?' That's number one call."

It is unlikely Smith will be back in Pittsburgh, and he has already started interviewing for offensive coordinator jobs around the league. Gainwell could want to replicate the success he had in Pittsburgh with Smith, which would make him want to go wherever Smith lands. Gainwell is due a decent pay day, and Pittsburgh should want him back, but the franchise is going to have some competition.

Gainwell seems to have enjoyed his time in Pittsburgh, mainly due to the fact that he was given a lot of opportunity to put his skills on display. The back ran the ball 114 times and was targeted 85 times, which are both career highs by far. He was very productive, and he should want to replicate what he did last year. Kaboly spoke about the odds of him coming back to Pittsburgh, and things don't look good.

"So, I put that it was 100 percent, I think, or darn close a hundred percent about two weeks ago," Kaboly said. "Right now, I have to give it below 50 percent him coming back, because he has to go where he knows he's going to be used. Obviously, he would be used in the Arthur Smith offense more than the unknown."

It is unclear where Smith might end up, but Gainwell following the coach would be good for his career. Smith has latched onto former players in the past, and Gainwell could fit that mold at Smith's next stop.

Steelers Will See Kenneth Gainwell's Value Increase Tremendously

Gainwell signed just a one-year deal worth $1.79 million during the 2025 offseason. His value has increased a ton after a great season in 2025. His market value according to Spotrac is currently roughly $3 million, and he is projected to sign a two-year deal in the $6 million range. He will likely get more than that if there is more than one team interested, which there should be based off of how he played in 2025.

What do you think about Pittsburgh possibly losing Gainwell? Let us know in the comments below!

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