One of the biggest surprises this past season for the Pittsburgh Steelers was the emergence of running back Kenneth Gainwell. He has become a focal point this offseason as he is set to become a free agent. While many expect a significant payday, that outcome is far from certain, as the market for running backs could remain depressed.
If the right offer is considered by the free agent running back, Pittsburgh would be wise to consider a reunion.
The Steelers shouldn't be in a spot where they shell out a massive contract to Gainwell. He is coming off a terrific year in Pittsburgh, but his price as a free agent should be high. A recent projection from Spotrac suggests that many experts may be mistaken in their assessments of his contract demands. The price he requests could be high, but Gainwell might have a path to return next season.
It was a strong duo with Jaylen Warren and Gainwell as the running backs. With Aaron Rodgers potentially returning, don't be surprised if Pittsburgh tries to keep a lot of its key offensive factors intact. With Kaleb Johnson still in the fold, it's unknown how the young back will factor into their plans. The Steelers would love to have Gainwell back, but it has to be at the right price.
Pittsburgh Steelers would be foolish not to pay RB Kenneth Gainwell new contract projection
According to Spotrac’s market value estimate, Gainwell is projected to sign a team-friendly two-year, $5.92 million contract.
Not $5.92 million per season, but for the entire deal. That is a surprising number. It's much lower than what most of Steelers Nation believes he could receive on the open market. If this price holds true, Pittsburgh must find a way to keep Gainwell with the team. That's a steal of a contract.
It was a nice move by general manager Omar Khan to ink Gainwell to a one-year deal last year as a free agent, and he could make another solid offer if this price holds true. This market value is hard to envision becoming a reality after the season this veteran had. He produced massive numbers for the Steelers offense, who counted on him time and time again. Without him, they'd be worse.
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Gainwell had a breakout campaign in 2025, where he made the most of his opportunities. In a duo role with Warren as the running backs, Gainwell created 1,023 total yards. 537 of those were on the ground, while 486 were through the air. He also tallied eight total touchdowns this past season. Those are some solid numbers for a player who shared a starting role with Warren this past year.
The Steelers' plan at the running back position will be interesting.
They must locate a running partner with Warren. Johnson is creeping closer to draft bust territory, but he needs a shot at playing more. Gainwell would be terrific to re-sign, but unless this contract projection holds, the Steelers might see him price himself out of town. They'd love to bring him back, but this price tag is too good to be true.