Why Kenneth Gainwell Could Be the Chiefs' Answer at Running Back
The Kansas City Chiefs enter the offseason with a clear objective: find more consistency and explosiveness at the running back position. That need was apparent even before the playoffs, but the return of Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator adds a new layer to the conversation. Bieniemy’s track record with backs who can impact both the run and pass game could shape how Kansas City approaches this offseason search - and Kenneth Gainwell might be exactly what they’re looking for.
A Familiar Face Returns, and a New Opportunity Emerges
Bieniemy’s return gives the Chiefs a coordinator who knows how to maximize versatile backs. He worked with Isiah Pacheco during the latter’s rookie season and previously coached Kareem Hunt during his breakout years. But neither of those backs truly fit the mold of a dual-threat weapon out of the backfield - the kind of player who can alter defensive game plans just by lining up.
That’s where someone like Gainwell becomes interesting.
In a league that increasingly values versatility, the Chiefs have often found success with running backs who can do more than just take handoffs. Think back to the impact Jerick McKinnon made during Kansas City’s Super Bowl runs - a back who could line up in the slot, catch passes out of the backfield, and still make defenders miss as a runner.
That hybrid role became a key part of the Chiefs’ offensive identity. And it’s a role Gainwell looks tailor-made to fill.
Gainwell's Breakout in Pittsburgh
Gainwell quietly put together a breakout campaign with the Steelers in 2025, signing a one-year, $1.79 million deal and turning it into what might have been the best value signing of the year. He posted career highs across the board: 537 rushing yards on 4.7 yards per carry, 486 receiving yards, and eight total touchdowns. That’s not just solid production - that’s a player taking full advantage of a bigger role and thriving in it.
What stood out wasn’t just the numbers, though. It was how Pittsburgh used him.
Gainwell led the entire Steelers offense in receptions. That’s not something you see often from a running back - especially not in a system that wasn’t exactly known for being pass-happy.
He lined up all over the field, ran a full route tree, and gave defenses fits as a mismatch in space.
Even Aaron Rodgers, not exactly known for heaping praise on teammates, made a point to highlight Gainwell’s importance to the offense down the stretch. That kind of endorsement speaks volumes.
And yet, despite his breakout year, Gainwell may be on the move again. Pittsburgh’s long-standing philosophy at the running back position - favoring more traditional ground-and-pound options - could make his return unlikely, especially with a coaching change on the horizon. That opens the door for a team like Kansas City to step in.
A Natural Fit for the Chiefs' Offensive Blueprint
The Chiefs don’t just need a running back - they need a fit. Someone who complements Patrick Mahomes’ skill set, thrives in the pass game, and can keep defenses honest on the ground. Gainwell checks every one of those boxes.
His ability to line up in multiple spots and run a variety of routes gives Kansas City flexibility in their formations. He’s not just a checkdown option - he’s a legitimate receiving threat who can help keep drives alive and punish defenses that drop too many into coverage. That’s the kind of weapon that forces defensive coordinators to think twice before going light in the box or bracketing Travis Kelce.
As a runner, Gainwell brings a similar dynamic. He’s just as effective bouncing outside as he is finding daylight between the tackles.
He’s elusive in space, tough to bring down, and has a knack for slipping through contact. In Pittsburgh, those traits helped extend drives and, in some cases, save an offense that didn’t have many other answers.
Sound familiar? That’s the same kind of impact McKinnon had in Kansas City - and Bieniemy knows exactly how to maximize that style of player. Gainwell may not be a carbon copy, but the parallels are hard to ignore.
Value Meets Versatility
Perhaps the most intriguing part of this potential pairing is the price tag. Gainwell’s breakout year will earn him a raise, no doubt, but he’s still not projected to command top-tier money. Spotrac estimates his next deal at around $3 million per year - a bargain for a player with his skill set and production.
For a team like Kansas City, which always has to be strategic with its cap space, that kind of value is hard to pass up. Especially when you consider what Gainwell could unlock in this offense alongside Mahomes, Kelce, and Rashee Rice.
The Bottom Line
The Chiefs have a chance to reshape their backfield this offseason, and they don’t need to break the bank to do it. Kenneth Gainwell offers a rare blend of versatility, production, and affordability - all wrapped in a skill set that fits perfectly within Kansas City’s offensive DNA.
With Bieniemy back in the fold and the Chiefs looking to add more juice to their running back room, Gainwell might just be the right player at the right time. If Kansas City is serious about maximizing every inch of its offense in 2026, this is a move that makes a whole lot of sense.