Steelers' Surprising Reason For Passing On A New Deal For Team MVP Kenneth Gainwell Uncovered

When the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Kenneth Gainwell ahead of the 2025 season, nobody expected the move to turn into what it became. Pittsburgh brought him in on a one-year, $1.79 million prove-it deal, but Gainwell quickly proved he was worth far more than that contract. He not only lived up to the opportunity, but he completely outplayed it, becoming one of the Steelers’ most important offensive players and earning Team MVP honors by the end of the season.

Gainwell was a difference-maker every time he touched the football. He appeared in all 17 regular-season games, recording 114 carries for 537 rushing yards and five touchdowns while adding 73 receptions for 486 receiving yards and three touchdowns. His 1,023 total yards from scrimmage and eight combined touchdowns showed just how valuable he was to Pittsburgh’s offense, especially considering he was sharing the backfield with veteran Jalen Warren.

Because Gainwell was only under contract for one season, there was always a chance he could leave in free agency. Still, many expected the Steelers to make a strong push to keep him, especially after Aaron Rodgers publicly made it clear that he wanted to see Gainwell get paid. Instead, Pittsburgh allowed him to walk, with Gainwell eventually signing a two-year, $14 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March of 2026. The Steelers responded by signing Rico Dowdle to a two-year, $12.25 million contract to pair with Warren.

While the decision surprised some fans, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly revealed there were two major reasons behind Pittsburgh moving on from Gainwell. According to Kaboly on Steelers Collective on Tuesday night, Gainwell preferred to play in a warmer climate and was not looking to remain in Pittsburgh’s cold-weather environment, which helped lead him to Tampa Bay. Kaboly also revealed that the Steelers had a specific preference for the type of running back they wanted moving forward, and Gainwell’s style of play did not fully match what they were looking for.

"I just don't think that [the Steelers] want to play football the way that Gainwell excelled last year," Kaboly said. "That is the way I looked at it. Plus Gainwell did not want to be here. At least I don't think. He wanted to go back South."

Now that Mike Tomlin is no longer the head coach in Pittsburgh, the Steelers are entering a new era under Mike McCarthy, who will look to implement his own offensive philosophy. McCarthy was familiar with Dowdle from their time together with the Dallas Cowboys, and his desire to bring in a running back he already knows and trusts likely played a major role in Pittsburgh’s decision.

There is likely plenty of truth to what Kaboly reported, but it should not be viewed as a knock on Gainwell or what he accomplished in Pittsburgh. Gainwell proved he could be a valuable piece and earned every bit of the praise he received during the 2025 season. Instead, this decision appears to be more about fit and the type of offense McCarthy and offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio want to build moving forward.

Steelers Move Forward With Exciting New Duo

The Steelers are moving in a new direction, and their preference for Dowdle over Gainwell may simply come down to scheme, familiarity, and the vision they have for the offense rather than a lack of appreciation for what Gainwell brought to the team.

Now, the Steelers will move forward with an exciting new backfield duo featuring Dowdle and Warren. The combination gives Pittsburgh a physical runner in Dowdle and an explosive, versatile playmaker in Warren, creating a dynamic pairing that fits the vision of the team’s new offensive approach. 

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