The Steelers have several key free agents this offseason. While everyone is concerned about whether quarterback Aaron Rodgers will return, there’s a Pittsburgh free agent who could make Rodgers’ decision easier or more complicated.
Running back Kenneth Gainwell wrapped up his first season with the Steelers and made a great connection with Rodgers. But Gainwell is set to be a free agent, and the Steelers need to do everything possible to sign him.
It might be challenging for the Steelers to re-sign Gainwell, especially if other teams pursue him. However, Kevin Patra from NFL.com suggested that Gainwell might be undervalued in the market.
“Gainwell is coming off a career-best 537 rushing yards with five TDs, while splitting duties with Jaylen Warren in Pittsburgh,” Patra wrote on Wednesday. “His 47.4% success rate on rush attempts ranked sixth-best among all RBs (min. 100 carries). Gainwell proved his prowess as a receiving back in his first year with the Steelers, generating 486 yards — fifth-most among backs, behind only Christian McCaffrey, Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs and De’Von Achane — with three scores on 73 catches.
“That dual-threat ability is extremely valuable. 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 free agency mean Gainwell could get lost in the shuffle.”
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Gainwell played a crucial role in helping Pittsburgh secure the AFC North title this past season, and it would be a real loss to let him go.
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