Parting ways with a fan favorite is always painful. And watching them succeed in greener pastures adds salt to the wound. For Pittsburgh Steelers fans, Kenneth Gainwell became more than a household name. His dedication last year while serving as a key weapon in Arthur Smith’s offense shocked most. His impact was irrefutable, but not enough for the front office to keep him around.
Now, Pittsburgh’s workhorse is with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His quarterback, Baker Mayfield, couldn’t be more ecstatic.
“He’s much more than a gadget guy,” Mayfield confessed to the media. “I have just been completely overwhelmed with the amount of talent he has.”
It’s true, Gainwell can do it all.
Over the last five seasons, the former fifth-round pick has developed quite a reputation. He’s gritty, determined, and gifted, making him an asset for any team willing to invest in his services. When the Steelers signed the Swiss Army knife to a one-year, $1.79 million deal, no one expected him to make a significant impact.
Boy, were we wrong.
Gainwell finished the season leading Pittsburgh with 1,023 scrimmage yards and eight offensive touchdowns. He led the team in receptions (73) - 14 more than wideout DK Metcalf. Whenever Pittsburgh needed a big play, the former Memphis Tiger showed up and showed out. He was a catalyst for an offense without a spark. So when it came time to re-sign the free agent, Pittsburgh’s decision left me confused.
The Pittsburgh Steelers made a mistake by letting Kenneth Gainwell walk out the door
Instead of re-rostering one of the most productive players from last campaign, the Steelers chose a different route. Instead, they focused on other areas of the roster. As a result, Tampa Bay poached the workhorse and made it worth his while. They offered Gainwell a 2-year, $14 million deal with $9.83 million guaranteed.
I know Kenneth Gainwell deserves every penny of his new agreement. But I wish Pittsburgh’s front office was the one to offer it.
Now, without the determined veteran in the backfield, Pittsburgh must rely on others to get the job done. The front office offered Rico Dowdle a 2-year, $12.25 million deal in March, hoping to close any hole Gainwell left. It was a thoughtful decision and could yield a bountiful return. Still, it doesn’t change the fact that the Steelers gifted a perfect X-factor to Tampa Bay.
And Baker Mayfield plans to take full advantage of the slip-up.
“I thought he has been a huge addition for us and is a spark to give Bucky [Irving] a spell and obviously still have Tuck (Sean Tucker) in there,” Mayfield admitted.
Crying over spilled milk does not fix anything. Yes, it would have been nice to see Gainwell in a Pittsburgh uniform again. His impact changed outcomes and extended a doomed season. But sadly, his run in Pittsburgh is over. The closed chapter will allow other skill players to earn bigger roles in the upcoming campaign.
I expect Rico Dowdle and Jaylen Warren to carry the workload throughout the year. It’s always hard to say goodbye, but hopefully this farewell leads to positive new beginnings for everyone involved.
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