The Relationship Between Steelers And Kenneth Gainwell May Have Just Seriously Changed

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2026 offseason with key free agent decisions to make. The Steelers have a running back depth issue as their team MVP, Kenneth Gainwell, is set to test the market. Gainwell will receive plenty of attention from teams looking for high-end running back depth or potentially a starter. He is a force as a shifty runner, great pass-catcher, and an elite special-teams player. He was a huge part of the Steelers' offense in 2025 and common bail-out target for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. 

Gainwell shocked fans across the league with his production. While Steelers starting running back Jaylen Warren was out due to injury in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings, Gainwell showed real flashes of greatness. In his lone start of the year, Gainwell produced. The running back amassed 134 total yards with 99 coming from the ground and 35 receiving yards. Gainwell added two rushing touchdowns, also. 

This lone start proved that Gainwell can be effective even with an increased role and isn't merely a complementary back. Gainwell is looking for a bigger contract than his one-year, $1.79 million deal he signed in 2025. 

The running back market seems to be slowly making sense this offseason, as the Dallas Cowboys inked their starting back to a new extension on Saturday. Javonte Williams signed a three-year, $24 million extension. Williams has been a solid starter for Dallas, and his $8 million per year will allow the Steelers to have some more wiggle room in their contract talks with Gainwell. 

If the running back market shakes out the right way, with backs being signed cheaper than expected like Williams, the Steelers would definitely be in the running to bring back Gainwell. Gainwell would not earn $8 million per year, and would likely make a similar number to his running mate, Warren. 

The Steelers are projected to have $45 million in cap space this season, according to Over The Cap. This leaves plenty of room for Gainwell to be brought back on a deal that pays him $5-6 million annually. Gainwell's production would be worth the price as he is solid in all facets of the game and is a great locker room presence. 

The Steelers' run game was average at best last season, though it found some late-season spark. The team averaged 101.1 yards per game (#26 overall) and 4.3 yards per carry (#18 overall). Retaining Gainwell would only help that mark get better, as there would be a level of consistency that wouldn't be found with a new running back. Newly hired Head Coach Mike McCarthy is an offense-minded coach who would look to add a utility man like Gainwell in many areas of the offense. 

Steelers Have To Try And Re-Sign Gainwell

The Steelers can't afford to let Gainwell walk, as he was such a major part of the offense in 2025. Gainwell led the team in receptions with 73 and had over 1,000 all-purpose yards. Gainwell was often a dump-off option for Rodgers that resulted in big gains. That safety net for a young quarterback, or if Rodgers decides to come back, will prove vital. Gainwell is far too versatile to let go of after he was such a big part of the Steelers' offense. 

The Steelers would only need to pay Gainwell a small contract, and in return, they would get back a team MVP and a huge offensive threat. The Steelers don't have quality depth options currently on their roster. Kaleb Johnson is coming into his second year with the team, but had an extremely ineffective rookie season. The Iowa product has left a lot to be desired and isn't a bona fide backup option as of now. 

The Steelers probably don't want to use draft capital on a running back either, as they have much more pressing positions of need. The Steelers' best option is to sign Gainwell, especially now that the running back market is coming to form. 

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