Feb. 23, 2026, 7:40 p.m. ET
As some teams look to make huge pickups in free agency, others lose some of their best playmakers — which may sadly come to fruition for the Pittsburgh Steelers with 2025 team MVP Kenneth Gainwell.
If Gainwell chooses to test free agency and leave Pittsburgh in March, here are three potential landing spots for the versatile running back.
Arizona Cardinals
Injuries left the Cardinals decimated at running back last season, and with James Conner emerging as a potential cut candidate, Arizona could be Gainwell’s best shot at a starting job.
With Kenneth Walker set to hit free agency and Zach Charbonnet recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in January, the Seahawks could offer Gainwell his biggest payday as the reigning Super Bowl champs look to defend their title in 2026.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Kansas City Chiefs
If there’s any offense that could make the best use of Gainwell’s dual-threat abilities, it would be the Andy Reid-led Chiefs with Patrick Mahomes under center. Oh, and both of their top running backs — Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco — are set to hit free agency.
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