Kenneth Gainwell’s Breakout Season Has Steelers Facing a Crucial Decision
One of the most unexpected - and most welcome - developments for the Pittsburgh Steelers this past season was the emergence of running back Kenneth Gainwell. Signed to a modest one-year deal ahead of the 2025 campaign, Gainwell turned that opportunity into a breakout performance, carving out a critical role alongside Jaylen Warren in the Steelers’ backfield. Now, with free agency looming, the question becomes whether Pittsburgh can - and should - bring him back.
Here’s the twist: they might not have to break the bank to do it.
According to a recent market projection, Gainwell could be looking at a deal in the range of two years, $5.92 million. That’s not per year - that’s the total value of the contract. For a player who just racked up over 1,000 all-purpose yards and eight total touchdowns in a shared role, that’s a potential bargain.
Let’s break down why this matters.
Gainwell’s Impact in 2025
Gainwell wasn’t just a complementary piece. He was a difference-maker.
Splitting time with Warren, he managed 1,023 total yards - 537 rushing, 486 receiving - and found the end zone eight times. That’s efficient production, especially in an offense that had its share of ups and downs.
Gainwell’s versatility was a key factor in keeping the offense afloat during stretches when consistency was hard to come by.
He gave Pittsburgh a reliable pass-catching option out of the backfield, something that added a new dimension to the offense. His ability to create mismatches against linebackers and contribute in the screen game made him a valuable asset in both early and late downs. In short, he did a little bit of everything - and he did it well.
The Market Reality
The running back market has been a tough one in recent years. Even productive backs have struggled to land big-money deals, and unless a team is willing to overpay, most veteran running backs are finding themselves in short-term, team-friendly contracts. That could work in the Steelers’ favor here.
If Gainwell’s projected deal is accurate - and that’s a big “if” - Pittsburgh would be wise to jump on it. A two-year commitment at under $6 million total for a back who just delivered a breakout season?
That’s the kind of low-risk, high-reward signing that general manager Omar Khan has shown a knack for. It wouldn’t just be a smart move - it would be a steal.
The Bigger Picture in Pittsburgh
The Steelers’ backfield situation is more layered than it might appear. Jaylen Warren has proven he can handle a significant workload, but he thrives in a timeshare.
Kaleb Johnson, the young back still on the roster, remains an unknown quantity. He’s shown flashes, but hasn’t yet earned a consistent role - and time may be running out for him to prove he belongs.
That makes the Gainwell decision even more important. Bringing him back would solidify the backfield and give the Steelers a proven, versatile duo. It would also buy them more time to evaluate Johnson without being forced to rely on him in a major role.
And with Aaron Rodgers potentially returning under center, continuity on offense becomes even more valuable. Keeping key pieces like Gainwell in place could help Pittsburgh build on the momentum they found late last season.
Bottom Line
The Steelers would love to have Kenneth Gainwell back - and if the reported price tag holds, they absolutely should make it happen. He earned a second look with his performance in 2025, and his fit in the offense is clear.
This isn’t about sentiment. It’s about value. Gainwell proved he can contribute at a high level in a shared role, and if Pittsburgh can bring him back on a team-friendly deal, it’s a move that makes all the sense in the world.
The ball’s in the Steelers’ court. And if they play it right, they might just lock in one of the offseason’s best bargains.