The Pittsburgh Steelers have several big roster decisions to make ahead of free agency. With roughly two dozen players on track to hit the free-agent market, Omar Khan and the front office must decide which players to chase in an effort to bring back for the 2026 season.
One of those players the Steelers will go after just became crystal clear.
On Tuesday, Khan spoke to the media ahead of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. The Steelers' GM was asked about the status of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the future of the quarterback position. However, Khan also fielded a question regarding free-agent running back Kenneth Gainwell.
His response made it obvious how the team feels about the veteran running back.
“He knows we want him back," Khan said via Mike DeFabo of The Athletic.
The Pittsburgh Steelers plan to retain free-agent RB Kenneth Gainwell
After the season Gainwell had in his first year in Pittsburgh in 2025, why wouldn't the organization want him back? Gainwell got off to a slow start as a runner, but really turned things on in the second half of the season.
By the end of the year, Gainwell finished with a career high in rushing yards (537), yards per carry (4.7), run success rate (55.3 percent), receptions (73), receiving yards (486), and total touchdowns (8).
When you factor in Gainwell's projected contract valuation, it makes even more sense for a Steelers return.
According to Pro Football Focus, Gainwell is expected to earn a two-year contract in free agency worth $4 million per season. Meanwhile, Spotrac.com's contract projection has Gainwell earning a mere $3 million per season in average annual earnings.
With affordable contract numbers like these, the Steelers should be thrilled to have Gainwell back. In his fifth NFL season, Gainwell was named Team MVP of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, thanks to his consistent work as a runner and pass-catcher out of the backfield.
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And the changes to the coaching staff may actually favor Gainwell.
Arthur Smith is gone as offensive coordinator, so the pressure to run the wide zone offense from under center is gone. Mike McCarthy, the Steelers' new head coach, is also their new offensive play-caller. McCarthy will plan to utilize the West Coast offense, which will likely include running out of shotgun frequently—something that could actually be beneficial to Gainwell's skill set.
Gainwell isn't likely to be the only looming free agent the Steelers hope to retain, but Omar Khan made it clear that his name is near the top of the list of priorities. This feels like a no-brainer.