The Pittsburgh Steelers will look to add running back depth if Kenneth Gainwell decides to go elsewhere in free agency. He was a great fit for the team a year ago, but one year of production for such a specific role is hard to justify.
While there have been rumors of the Steelers making a big swing at the position, that would be a massive mistake. That said, if Gainwell does walk, adding a veteran for depth would make a lot of sense.
I like Gainwell, but he was a needed player for this short and mediocre passing game. Ideally, that is improved upon in this new offense, so paying Gainwell what he is worth for a reduced role doesn’t make sense.
Unsurprisingly, there are a slew of names that are available as running backs continue to go unnoticed in the league. The Steelers can replace Gainwell with one of these five players, and they shouldn’t miss a beat.
The Pittsburgh Steelers can replace Kenneth Gainwell with one of these veterans
Austin Ekeler, Washington Commanders
While running backs over 30 are relatively risky investments, I can’t see Austin Ekeler breaking the bank coming off injury and light production in Washington. The former Charger was dynamic at one time, but he is clearly at the end of his career.
However, we saw a viable rotational piece in Ekeler in 2024. He can run hard still and catch a slew of passes out of the backfield. He would be a one-for-one replacement for Gainwell if added.
Antonio Gibson, New England Patriots
You can substitute everything I just said about Ekeler for Antonio Gibson. While bigger and more powerful as a runner, Gibson has made his career around being a viable pass catcher out of the backfield.
He was phased out of the Patriots' deep running back room last year, but he is just a year removed from a 750-yard total season. He could be a cheap addition that mimics what the team had in Gainwell.
Dameon Pierce, Kansas City Chiefs
At one point in time, Dameon Pierce was the next big thing at running back. He burst onto the scene for the Texans as a rookie, but he was quickly supplanted and replaced. Pierce struggled before finally being released during the middle of last season.
Unlike the previous two names, Pierce isn’t a conventional replacement for Gainwell. Instead, he is a bruising rusher who can handle a workload when needed. Jaylen Warren would be the focus, while Pierce can wear down defenses with some power running.
Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rachaad White took the backseat to Bucky Irving, but he still flashed his versatility and ability to win as a runner and passer. He feels like an upgraded version of what you have in Gainwell.
My issue with White will come down to his cost. If you are skeptical of paying Gainwell because of the potential price tag, White will likely be no cheaper. The fit is there, though, and is worth noting.
Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings
Aaron Jones isn’t the same dynamic runner he once was, but he proved last year that when healthy, he can still be a viable rotational back. He is coming off a down year with the Vikings, where health was an issue, but he still amassed 750 total yards and is one season removed from a 1,500-yard season.
Warren would be the primary back while Jones can replicate what he offers. You can still mix Kaleb Johnson in as well. Assuming Jones is cut, he could be a cheap addition to round out this room.