"Signing Elsewhere": Steelers Are Prepared To Lose One Of Their Most Important Players

The Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty of holes to fill during the 2026 offseason, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The wide receiver room still lacks a reliable complement to its top option, and the offense as a whole struggled to find rhythm in critical moments in 2025. Adding more explosiveness and consistency will be a priority as the front office looks to reshape the unit through free agency and the draft. As the team awaits to hear a decision from Aaron Rodgers regarding his future, it might also be without another one of its key players from 2025, running back Kenneth Gainwell.

Gainwell was voted the team's Most Valuable Player in 2025, being arguably the most consistent playmaker on offense. Gainwell led the Steelers in receptions (73), was second on the team in rushing yards (537) and yards from scrimmage (1,023), and was tied for the team lead in total touchdowns (eight).

After signing a one-year deal back in the 2025 offseason, it appeared that re-signing Gainwell would become priority number one for the Steelers ahead of the 2026 new league year, but team insider Gerry Dulac revealed that Pittsburgh is bracing for him to leave in free agency.

"The Steelers are expecting running back Kenneth Gainwell, who led the team in receptions and was voted team MVP, to explore the possibility of signing elsewhere during the free-agent period," Dulac said. "They intend to test the market to see what offers might be out there. It doesn’t mean the Steelers don’t want them back. It just comes down to the price."

Gainwell’s potential departure would leave a massive void in an offense that already faces uncertainty at quarterback and wide receiver. He wasn’t just a productive back; he was the glue that kept the unit functional on a weekly basis. Whether it was serving as a safety valve in the passing game, or grinding out tough yards between the tackles, Gainwell consistently delivered when the Steelers needed a spark. 

His reliability on third down and in the red zone made him indispensable, especially during stretches when the passing attack stalled. The running back market can be unpredictable. While some teams hesitate to invest heavily at the position, others are willing to pay for versatility and proven production. Gainwell’s ability to impact the game as both a rusher and receiver could make him one of the more intriguing options available. 

If a team with cap space views him as a featured weapon rather than a complementary piece, the Steelers may find it difficult to match the offer without compromising other roster priorities. Pittsburgh could look to the draft to find a potential replacement, but expecting a rookie to immediately replicate Gainwell’s production would be ambitious. Free agency presents options as well, yet few available backs offer the same dual-threat ability and familiarity with the system. 

Ultimately, the situation may come down to timing and leverage. If Gainwell does test the market and finds limited interest at his desired price, a reunion remains possible. However, if another franchise makes an aggressive early push, the Steelers could quickly pivot to contingency plans. If Gainwell leaves, he would become the first Steeler to leave in the offseason after being named Team MVP since Neil O’Donnell in 1996.

Steelers Could Eye Larger Role For Kaleb Johnson

The Steelers drafted Kaleb Johnson out of Iowa in the third round of last year's draft, but to say Johnson had a subpar rookie season would be an understatement. Johnson saw just 28 carries in 2025 for 69 yards. He struggled to carve out a consistent role in the offense and was largely limited to spot duty behind more established options. 

However, if Gainwell does indeed leave in free agency, the Steelers could look to Johnson to become the team's number two option at running back behind Jaylen Warren. Johnson showed his big-play capability in college, and if give more opportunities could help add a spark to the Pittsburgh rushing attack. 

#SteelerNation