Most of the focus around the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason has been on quarterback with Aaron Rodgers. But the Steelers have another key free agent on offense — running back Kenneth Gainwell.
The 26-year-old running back led the team in receptions and eclipsed 1,000 yards from scrimmage on his way to Steelers MVP honors during 2025.
At the 2026 NFL Combine on Tuesday, Steelers general manager Omar Khan said the team is trying to re-sign Gainwell. Khan told reporters he has made that goal clear to the running back and his representation.
“Omar Khan said he’s spoke with Kenneth Gainwell’s agent and ‘he knows we want him back,’” wrote The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo.
Gainwell had his best NFL season in Pittsburgh while playing on a 1-year contract during 2025. He ran for 537 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 4.7 yards per rush.
He also caught 73 passes for three additional scores.
With those statistics, Gainwell set career bests in rushing yards, receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, yards from scrimmage and total touchdowns. He accomplished that on career high 187 touches.
Omar Khan Says Steelers ‘Want’ Back RB Kenneth Gainwell
It’s not at all surprising the Steelers want Gainwell back for 2026. He was one of the most underrated signings of the 2025 offseason.
Without him, it’s hard to imagine where the Steelers would have been, particularly in the passing game. Gainwell was second on the team with 85 targets behind only top wideout D.K. Metcalf.
Gainwell had at least 30 more targets than WR2 Calvin Austin III and tight end Pat Freiermuth.
Gainwell offered a change of pace to starting running back Jaylen Warren as well. Together, the two backs ran for 1,495 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns last year.
The only negative with bringing back Gainwell is that will likely mean fewer opportunities for 2025 third-round pick Kaleb Johnson.
Coming into his rookie season, Johnson was expected to be a major part of the team’s offense. He finished third in rushing attempts during 2025 but with only 28 while dressing in 10 games.
Toward the end of the season, Johnson was a healthy scratch almost every week.
It’s hard to envision what type of role Johnson will have in 2026 if Gainwell returns with Warren again. But that’s definitely the best short-term option for the Steelers offense.
Projecting Gainwell’s Contract Value in 2026 NFL Free Agency
The Steelers signed Gainwell to a 1-year, $1.79 million deal last offseason. After the breakout campaign, Gainwell should get a sizable raise.
But in the grand scheme of the NFL, pundits expect the veteran running back to remain affordable.
The Athletic’s Daniel Popper ranked Gainwell as his No. 103 player in 2026 NFL free agency. Popper projected Gainwell to sign a 2-year, $10 million contract.
Spotrac had a lower projection — about $5.9 million on a 2-year agreement.
A $1-4 million raise should undoubtably change Gainwell’s life. But from an NFL salary cap perspective, it’s a drop in the bucket.
That could make it very realistic for the Steelers to re-sign the 26-year-old.
Gainwell started his NFL career as a 2021 fifth-round pick with the Philadelphia Eagles. He had 1,906 yards from scrimmage over four seasons in Philadelphia from 2021-24.
His best statistical season with the Eagles arguably came during his rookie 2021 campaign. During that season, he had 544 yards from scrimmage and averaged 5.4 yards per touch.
Gainwell posted 5.4 yards per touch with fewer opportunities in 2022. With a lot more touches while playing for the Steelers, he had 5.5 yards per touch.
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