Will the Pittsburgh Steelers retain team MVP Kenneth Gainwell, who is a free agent after a standout 2025 season?
Gainwell was an unheralded signing during the 2025 offseason, but quickly proved that wrong, and is now set to be paid well in free agency.
Kevin Patra of NFL Network says that with a stacked running back free agency market, it is certainly possible that Gainwell could slip through the cracks for some teams.
“That dual-threat ability is extremely valuable,” Patra said. “However, Gainwell could be overlooked on the open market. The reality that clubs don’t generally want to spend on the RB position and the deep pool of backs ticketed for agency mean Gainwell could get lost in the shuffle.”
As of right now, Gainwell is projected to get between $3 and $4 million per year by Over the Cap. If that occurs, it is an extremely affordable deal for the Steelers and any other team in need of a running back. For Pittsburgh, Gainwell along with Jaylen Warren were a formidable duo.
Gainwell leads the Steelers in receptions with 73 catches for 485 yards while adding 114 rushes for 537 yards on the ground. Adding in kickoffs, and Gainwell has well over 1000 scrimmage yards this season for the Steelers in a do-it-all role.
His excellent, all-around season seems likely to put him at the forefront of the Steelers’ radar to retain moving forward.