Steelers Now Know Which Teams Could Want To Steal Kenneth Gainwell In 2026 Free Agency

There is no doubt that Kenneth Gainwell was the unsung hero of the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 season. He was signed to a one-year deal and out-played his $1.79 million salary relatively early on. Now, he is expected to get paid in 2026 free agency due to his effectiveness and versatility. The front office in the Steel City has an opportunity to retain him prior to the new league year beginning, but that seems unlikely due to the fact that he is getting ready to sign the most lucrative contract of his young career. It would be a mistake for General Manager Omar Khan to let him leave; however, it's very possible.

What was originally viewed as a depth signing turned into one of the steals of the 2025 free agency period. Khan and co. struck gold with Gainwell, and now he is expected to improve his financial situation drastically. It would be great for him to return to the Steel City, as he and Jaylen Warren put together one of the league's best campaigns for a running back duo. Unfortunately, money talks.

NFL general managers who may be desperate will offer up plenty of money to potential difference-makers. With Warren averaging out roughly $5.8 million per year, it's unlikely that the Steelers would match that for Gainwell. It's safe to say, though, that another running back-needy franchise would gladly offer the veteran $6 million or more per season. That is what could really hurt Pittsburgh's efforts in the end.

On Sunday morning, ESPN insiders Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler wrote about what they both were hearing at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. When it comes to free agency, the running back position is going to be an intriguing one to keep an eye on. Several teams will be involved with the market, which will immediately bring Gainwell into the conversation for others aside from the Steelers.

"Teams I expect to see gauge the free agent RB market include the Chiefs, Texans and Giants, among others," Graziano wrote.

The Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans and New York Giants all have needs at the ball carrier position, so it's no surprise to see Graziano write about their expected interests in the market. Gainwell is one of the more versatile options available, so it seems as if his agent will have plenty of front offices to talk to. This spells a bad omen for the Steelers. Despite plenty of wiggle room with cap space, Warren is under contract and Gainwell may not be looked at as a necessary signing.

Khan has already been vocal about wanting Gainwell back, but that's pretty much just political talk as nothing negative would be said about the Steelers' 2025 MVP. It is not going to be easy to re-sign the elusive playmaker because bidding wars typically don't end up favoring Pittsburgh. If the team really wants him, it would likely have to pay him more than Warren, and that becomes a completely different issue internally.

The other thing to consider is the new coaching staff. With pretty much every spot looking different under Head Coach Mike McCarthy, the fresh regime could have different plans moving forward. Fans won't have to wait much longer, as the month of March has officially started and free agency is only a few short weeks away in what should be a fascinating period for Pittsburgh.

Steelers Could Also Draft Another Running Back In 2026

With a projected 12 total selections, Pittsburgh may absolutely decide to draft a ball carrier, despite having Warren and Kaleb Johnson under contract. This is a position in which diamonds in the rough are often found, with Warren being a prime example after he went undrafted. The Steelers' free agency moves will show their cards because if Gainwell is somehow re-signed, there is truly no need to invest in the positional group any more.

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