The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense struggled to make an impact last season. They continued their trend of inconsistencies that have hindered the group since Ben Roethlisberger retired. Now, they sit heading into another offseason where they will try to get into the modern age of offense-led NFL football. With Mike McCarthy at the helm, the team is expected to undergo numerous changes.
In a recent article by ESPN's Matt Bowen, he listed the best fit for the top 50 pending unrestricted free agents. When free agency hits, the Steelers currently have 27 pending players set to hit the market at different levels. One name who produced a strong season in 2025 is running back Kenneth Gainwell. He is someone Pittsburgh would love to re-sign, but it might not be possible.
It will all depend on how McCarthy values Gainwell moving forward, and if Aaron Rodgers wants him back if he decides to return.
With all that said, don't be shocked if the breakout star finds a bidding war in free agency. His market value is reasonable according to Spotrac's website, but that appears unrealistic. If Gainwell gets a bidding war around him, a rebuilding team like the Saints could come calling.
Bowen had this to say about Gainwell's fit with New Orleans: "In coach Kellen Moore's offense, Gainwell can be a change-of-pace runner, and he has the receiving traits to create numbers as an outlet for quarterback Tyler Shough."
Pittsburgh Steelers RB Kenneth Gainwell could sign with Saints during Free Agency
Pittsburgh has an abundance of cap space to work with in free agency and the remainder of the offseason. With that said, it would be unwise to spend too much money. They should focus on re-signing some of their own pending free agents, but Gainwell could be too rich. He had a terrific season, but it's only one year of production, and a massive extension would be a gamble.
"Given the uncertainty of running back Alvin Kamara's future in New Orleans, the team could bring in Gainwell," Bowen wrote.
The Saints make sense as a natural landing spot for the Steelers' running back. New Orleans doesn't know what the future holds with Alvin Kamara, and Gainwell could be a nice backup plan. No, he isn't as good a player as Kamara, but he presents some similar abilities. Pittsburgh might have no choice but to witness one of its best playmakers on offense from this past season head south.
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Spotrac currently projects Gainwell signing a two-year contract worth around $5.92 million in free agency. That is a low number considering what the pending free agent accomplished this past campaign. He produced strong numbers and showed he can be an all-around playmaker. The veteran can run with authority, be effective in the passing game, and be reliable as a pass protector.
Expect his final contract figures to be significantly higher than those listed on Spotrac.
Gainwell is coming off a breakout season, and the Steelers would've re-signed him to that deal if it were realistic for both parties. While the Saints could be a nice landing spot for Gainwell to continue in a big role on an NFL offense, they won't be the only team interested. His value in free agency will only climb upwards.