Why Kenneth Gainwell Should Be on the Cowboys' Radar This Offseason
The Cowboys' playoff hopes are hanging by a thread-mathematically alive, but realistically on life support. With just a 1% chance of sneaking into the postseason, Dallas is staring down the barrel of a long offseason filled with tough questions and critical roster decisions.
And near the top of that list? Fixing the backfield.
Let’s be clear: the Cowboys’ running game hasn’t been the same this season. There’s talent, sure, but the production hasn’t matched the potential. And with Javonte Williams set to hit free agency after a breakout year, Dallas could be looking at a serious void in the RB room if they can’t lock him down.
That’s where Kenneth Gainwell enters the conversation.
Gainwell’s Skillset Fits What Dallas Needs
Gainwell is the kind of player who doesn’t need 20 carries to make an impact. He’s a dual-threat weapon who’s shown he can be effective both as a runner and a receiver.
Through 14 games with the Steelers this season, Gainwell has racked up 451 rushing yards, 352 receiving yards, and six total touchdowns. Those numbers might not jump off the page, but dig a little deeper, and you see why he’s such a valuable piece.
He’s had four games with over 100 scrimmage yards this season-proof that when given the opportunity, he delivers. And in an offense led by Aaron Rodgers, he’s become a reliable safety valve, turning checkdowns into chunk plays and keeping defenses honest.
Rodgers even went as far as to say he’s made it his mission to help Gainwell get paid this offseason. That kind of endorsement doesn’t come lightly.
Dallas Needs More Than What They Have
Jaydon Blue, the Cowboys’ fifth-round pick in the 2025 draft, hasn’t made the leap the team hoped for. With just 70 scrimmage yards on the year, it’s clear the coaching staff hasn’t trusted him with a bigger role.
Malik Davis has stepped in as RB2 in recent weeks, but he hasn’t topped 47 rushing yards in a game all season. The bottom line?
Dallas needs more juice out of the backfield.
Gainwell could be that spark.
Signed by Pittsburgh for just $1.8 million, Gainwell has vastly outperformed his contract. He brings a different gear to the offense-a change-of-pace back who can make defenders miss in space and turn a routine play into a highlight. That’s the kind of versatility the Cowboys could use, especially in an offense that already features playmakers on the outside.
Not an RB1, But the Perfect Complement
Let’s not confuse things-Gainwell isn’t a workhorse back. He’s not going to carry the ball 25 times a game.
But as an RB2? He’s exactly what you want.
He complements a power runner or lead back with his shiftiness, pass-catching ability, and knack for finding soft spots in coverage.
If Dallas can’t retain Javonte Williams, they’ll need to get creative. Even if Williams stays, adding Gainwell would give the Cowboys a much more dynamic backfield. Think of it this way: in today’s NFL, having two capable backs isn’t a luxury-it’s a necessity.
A Smart Target in a Critical Offseason
The Cowboys have some big financial decisions coming up, including what to do with pending free agents like Williams and wide receiver George Pickens. The front office, led by Jerry Jones, will have to make some tough calls. But Gainwell represents a smart, affordable option that could pay off in a big way.
He won’t break the bank, but he could break a few games open.
For a Dallas team that’s looking to retool and reenergize after a disappointing season, Kenneth Gainwell should be more than just a name on the whiteboard-he should be a priority.