Steelers Team MVP Kenneth Gainwell Never Wanted To Come To Pittsburgh For 2025 Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers watched as their 2025 team MVP Kenneth Gainwell walked away from the team once free agency began. Gainwell had joined the Steelers on a one-year deal worth $1.79 million ahead of the 2025 season. At the time, it seemed like a solid opportunity for him to carve out a role in a running back room that included Jaylen Warren. However, the Steelers later drafted rookie Kaleb Johnson, leaving fans uncertain about how the workload would be split.

As the season progressed, it became clear that Gainwell was arguably Pittsburgh’s most dynamic offensive weapon. His versatility, vision, and ability to make plays both as a runner and receiver made him indispensable. Despite this, Gainwell chose to take his talents elsewhere in free agency, signing a two-year, $14 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Steelers quickly moved to fill the gap by signing free agent running back Rico Dowdle to the roster. Dowdle brings experience and depth, but it remains to be seen whether he can replicate the impact Gainwell had in Pittsburgh. Steelers fans were also taken aback when Gainwell spoke to Tampa Bay media for the first time on Thursday. He revealed that he never truly wanted to play in Pittsburgh. The admission struck many fans as surprising given his standout 2025 season and the way he became a key contributor on offense.

"It was a great option for me," Gainwell said while speaking to the Tampa Bay media. "I wanted to be here last year, but you know, I am just happy to be here now. It was a great opportunity for me back in the South where I am from and just come here."

Gainwell discussed what he learned during the 2025 season playing with the Steelers and Aaron Rodgers. He believes his time with the Steelers truly opened fans’ eyes across the football world to just how talented he really is. 

It's safe to say that Gainwell still is thankful for the fact he came to Pittsburgh for that 2025 season. Otherwise this opportunity never would have presented itself for the 26-year-old running back.

"I think it opened up a couple of people's eyes just to see what I really can do," Gainwell said. "Me going out there to do all I can on the field basically just proved what I can do and what I have been doing all of my career. Even if it has been hidden, it's now coming to the light. I am very appreciative for the opportunity that Pittsburgh had given me to shine my light and now come here and do great things."

While the Steelers are used to turnover and moving on from players in free agency, losing a player of Gainwell’s caliber feels particularly painful. His departure leaves a void both on the field and in the hearts of fans who watched him emerge as one of the team’s brightest offensive stars in 2025. However, Steelers General Manager Omar Khan has already started fighting back to fill the gaps left by free agency.

Steelers' Running Back Room Should Be In Good Hands Post-Gainwell

The coming season will test whether Pittsburgh can adjust without him, but adding Dowdle should be seen almost as an upgrade, as odd as that sounds. Warren is expected to remain just as talented and versatile as ever and is hungry to prove he is still one of the league’s top backs. 

The addition of Dowdle, who is familiar with this offensive scheme, strengthens the backfield even more. The Steelers’ running back group should be in good hands, even if Johnson struggles to develop in his second year.

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