The Steelers may have found something special in Kenneth Gainwell - and it didn’t take long for him to prove it.
In Sunday’s win over the Detroit Lions, Gainwell delivered the kind of performance that turns heads and shifts narratives: 50 yards on the ground, 78 more through the air, and a touchdown that had fans out of their seats. It wasn’t just the numbers - it was the way he got them.
Gainwell looked explosive, decisive, and fully in command of his role in Pittsburgh’s offense. And now, with the season winding down, the question isn’t whether he belongs in the Steelers’ long-term plans - it’s how soon they can lock him in.
A Surprising Rise in a Crowded Backfield
Let’s rewind to the offseason. Gainwell signed a one-year, $1.79 million deal - a low-risk move for Pittsburgh that’s turned into one of the best bargains of the year.
At the time, it looked like he’d be a depth piece behind Jaylen Warren, who had just inked a two-year extension, and Kaleb Johnson, a third-round rookie with plenty of promise. But Gainwell didn’t just crash the party - he took over the room.
Through a combination of versatility, vision, and flat-out production, he’s forced his way into the spotlight. With 911 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns already on the season - and two games still to go - Gainwell has become a key piece in Arthur Smith’s offense. His ability to contribute as both a runner and a receiver has made him a matchup headache for defenses and a reliable option for the Steelers in a variety of game scripts.
Why Re-Signing Gainwell Makes Sense
There’s a strong case to be made that Gainwell should be a top offseason priority for Pittsburgh. Financially, the Steelers are in a good position.
Warren’s cap hit for 2026 sits just north of $7 million, leaving room to make another investment in the backfield without overcommitting. And while Kaleb Johnson may still be viewed as a long-term piece, relying solely on a second-year back - particularly one who hasn't yet carved out a role - is a gamble no contender should be eager to take.
Depth matters in today’s NFL, especially at running back. Injuries happen, roles evolve, and the ability to rotate fresh, capable legs can be the difference between a sputtering offense and one that wears down opponents. Gainwell has shown he can be that guy - not just a change-of-pace option, but a legitimate contributor week in and week out.
What Would a New Deal Look Like?
Here’s where things get interesting. Gainwell will be 26 heading into next season, still in his prime and looking for his first real payday.
But the reality of the current running back market is that even productive players aren’t commanding massive deals. That works in Pittsburgh’s favor.
If we’re looking at comps, Jaylen Warren’s two-year, $11.9 million extension offers a solid benchmark. Najee Harris, another former Steeler, landed a one-year, $5.3 million deal with the Chargers after putting up 1,326 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns last season. Gainwell’s production is right in that ballpark, and given his age and versatility, a deal in the range of two to three years at $4-6 million per year feels both fair and manageable.
It’s not a blockbuster contract, but it’s a meaningful reward for a player who’s earned it - and it gives Pittsburgh continued stability in a backfield that’s quietly become one of the team’s strengths.
Bottom Line
The Steelers didn’t necessarily plan for Kenneth Gainwell to become a core piece of their offense this season. But that’s the beauty of football - sometimes, the best stories are the ones that weren’t scripted. Gainwell has made the most of his opportunity, and now it’s time for Pittsburgh to make the most of theirs: keep him in black and gold, and continue building an offense that looks more dangerous by the week.
Re-signing Gainwell isn’t just a smart move - it’s the kind of move that keeps teams competitive, cohesive, and ready for whatever comes next.