After losing 2025 team MVP Kenneth Gainwell in free agency to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in a difficult spot.
General manager Omar Khan should not feel rushed to add another running back, but they should consider signing a free agent. The Steelers have Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson in place, but it is unclear how the two would function as a duo. Losing Gainwell will push the team into some tough decisions.
Johnson struggled to show much last season after several mistakes as a rookie. Warren remains a dynamic threat at running back, but he works best in a tandem. Pittsburgh could take the risk of pairing Warren with Johnson, but that would require blind faith in the young runner. They would be better off filling the vacancy by signing a free agent rather than relying on Johnson.
Several free agents have ties to the Steelers organization. Do not be surprised if Mike McCarthy brings in some of his former players as additions in free agency. Most of these players should not cost much to sign, and the team has multiple options to consider. One name with strong connections to Pittsburgh during free agency is veteran running back Aaron Jones.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could replace Kenneth Gainwell with Aaron Jones in Free Agency
Jones remains a clear favorite with strong ties throughout the Steelers organization. All signs still point to Aaron Rodgers being the starting quarterback this season, and he was teammates with Jones during their time in Green Bay. They were with the Packers together from 2017 through 2022. They built a strong bond during those years and enjoyed plenty of success together.
Aside from Rodgers being a major connection, Pittsburgh’s head coach was also with Jones for several important moments.
Jones was drafted by the Packers when McCarthy was there, taken in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Green Bay enjoyed strong success with those offenses, and McCarthy could push hard for Jones to come to Pittsburgh. There are plenty of connections to consider.
Many coaches who have followed McCarthy to Pittsburgh held various roles with the Packers at some point. It makes sense why Rodgers would want to return to the Steelers and why Jones could be a realistic free agent target. Gainwell was an effective piece on offense last year because he was a dynamic runner and pass catcher. Jones is older, but he offers a similar skill set.
Jones just turned thirty one in December, which is not especially old for an NFL running back.
He has struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons, but he remains an effective player when he is on the field. The Steelers have a clear replacement for Gainwell in free agency with Jones. He has strong connections to people within the Pittsburgh facility and could even be another appealing reason for Rodgers to return for another year.