Steelers Fans Get Great News As Offensive Star "Would Welcome A Return"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have already gone through a ton of changes as a franchise during the 2026 offseason, but roster moves have not been made yet. The Steelers are going to make some cuts, trades, and signings in free agency all before the NFL Draft occurs in April. There are also some players from the roster in 2025 that are scheduled to hit free agency that the franchise should consider signing to a new deal before they can hit the open market. That includes running back Kenneth Gainwell, who was a bit of a surprise during the 2025 season.

Gainwell was a free agent signing for Pittsburgh during the 2025 offseason. He signed a one-year deal that was worth just under $2 million. It became clear after the season began that it was a bargain deal for Pittsburgh as Gainwell was extremely productive throughout the entire season. He helped Pittsburgh win some games, and the fan base definitely wants him back in 2026. However, that might be tricky. Other teams around the league saw how good Gainwell can be, and that will drive the price up for the pending free agent. NFL insider Jeremy Fowler spoke about the situation in a recent article for ESPN.

"He has emerged as Pittsburgh's most versatile offensive playmaker," Fowler wrote. "The Steelers will most assuredly push to re-sign him, and though he would welcome a return, free agency will be tempting after he took a discount this year."

Fans probably did not expect Gainwell to have as large of a role as he did entering the 2025 season, but it was clear early on that he was going to be a big part of the offense. Jaylen Warren was still technically the lead back, but it was more a split backfield than anyone thought it might be as Gainwell wound up being the team's MVP.

Gainwell was an asset in the passing game and the running game, and he became one of Aaron Rodgers' favorite targets. The running back caught 73 passes on the year for nearly 500 yards and three scores. On the season, he recorded over 1,000 scrimmage yards and scored eight total touchdowns, and there are some huge plays buried in those statistics as well, including his big catch against the Detroit Lions.

Gainwell was often overshadowed during the first four years of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, which is probably why Pittsburgh was able to get him on such a cheap deal. He is going to be more expensive moving forward, and if the organization allows him to get to free agency, the price could get out of hand. It would be wise for Pittsburgh to find a way to lock him up before free agency begins, but the running back is going to want to make it to free agency to see what his market is like.

Steelers Should Have An Idea Of What Retaining Kenneth Gainwell Might Cost

Gainwell's market value is expected to be in the realm of $3 million per season, and he is expected to sign a two-year deal. $3 million per season seems low, and that price will get driven up once more teams get involved. As the demand for the running back grows, so does the price, and that will be the case in this situation.

Pittsburgh also drafted Kaleb Johnson during the 2025 NFL Draft, so there is a chance that negotiations could get out of hand and the franchise might decide to let Gainwell walk. Warren is a reliable back, and the organization is hoping that Johnson can blossom into a good player.

What do you think about the Steelers attempting to keep Gainwell? Let us know in the comments below!

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