The Pittsburgh Steelers are staring down a pivotal offseason with over two dozen players set to hit free agency next month. One name drawing considerable attention is Kenneth Gainwell - the team’s 2025 MVP - who’s reportedly on the radar of both the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs.
After spending four seasons as a rotational piece in Philadelphia, Gainwell made the most of his opportunity in Pittsburgh last year. He stepped into a featured role and delivered the most productive season of his career - 187 total touches, a team-high 73 receptions, over 1,000 total yards, and eight touchdowns. He also averaged a career-best 4.7 yards per carry, showing off the kind of efficiency that turns heads in front offices across the league.
At 5'9", 200 pounds, Gainwell isn’t built like a traditional workhorse back, but that’s not a deal-breaker in today’s NFL. With more and more teams leaning into backfield committees, his skill set - shifty, reliable hands, and a nose for the end zone - fits perfectly into the modern offensive blueprint. He’s the kind of player who can keep a drive alive on third down, line up in the slot if needed, and still break off chunk plays in the run game.
That’s why it’s no surprise that contenders like the Chiefs and Saints are being linked to him. Kansas City, always looking to stay ahead of the curve offensively, could plug Gainwell into their system and immediately benefit from his versatility. Meanwhile, the Saints - who’ve been looking to retool their offense - might see Gainwell as a dynamic complement to their existing backfield.
Of course, the buzz around Gainwell’s potential departure isn’t new. Steelers insider Mark Kaboly has already suggested that Pittsburgh may not retain the 2025 MVP, which would open the door for second-year back Kaleb Johnson to take on a much bigger role. Johnson showed flashes in limited action, and the coaching staff has hinted at high expectations for his development.
Still, losing Gainwell would be a significant shift for the Steelers. He was more than just a productive player - he was a consistent spark in an offense that often needed one. Whether Pittsburgh makes a push to keep him or lets him walk, the decision will say a lot about how they plan to reshape their offensive identity heading into 2026.
One thing’s clear: Kenneth Gainwell has played himself into a strong position heading into free agency. He’s not just a solid contributor anymore - he’s a proven playmaker with a skill set that fits the direction the league is heading. And with contenders circling, it looks like he’ll have options.