At the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan shared insights on the team’s approach to handling the contracts of their upcoming free agents, including key discussions surrounding star running back Kenneth Gainwell. Khan acknowledged that while conversations are ongoing, finalizing deals likely won’t happen immediately as negotiations often extend closer to the free agency deadline.
You know what, I learned a long time ago that we are talking to some of our players, that’s for sure, but to say that some of those deals will get done in the next couple days probably isn’t accurate,
Khan told reporters.
I’ve learned that these things kinda go to the deadline, to the start of free agency, but we’re certainly talking to some of our players.
Kenneth Gainwell’s Free Agency Status and Steelers’ Interest
Considered the Steelers’ most valuable player this past season, Kenneth Gainwell is among the top names set to become a free agent. Omar Khan confirmed the team’s desire to retain Gainwell, emphasizing the ongoing communication with the player’s representatives. Gainwell earned praise for his contributions during his one-year prove-it contract but questions remain regarding Pittsburgh’s financial ability to secure him long term.
Kenny was great to have around, and he knows we want him back, and we’ve been in communication with his people,
Khan remarked.
Evaluating Gainwell’s Market Value Amidst a Competitive Running Back Pool
Sports analyst Kevin Patra highlighted Kenneth Gainwell as a potentially undervalued player entering free agency. Gainwell produced career-best numbers last season, including 537 rushing yards and five touchdowns while sharing backfield duties with Jaylen Warren. His impressive 47.4% success rate for rush attempts ranked sixth among NFL running backs with over 100 carries. Additionally, Gainwell’s receiving skills yielded 486 yards on 73 catches, placing him fifth among running backs behind notable peers like Christian McCaffrey, Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, and De’Von Achane.
Gainwell is coming off a career-best 537 rushing yards with five TDs, while splitting duties with Jaylen Warren in Pittsburgh,
Patra wrote.
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 agency mean Gainwell could get lost in the shuffle.
Implications for the Steelers and Free Agency Landscape
Gainwell’s performance secured him the Steelers’ MVP honor, as he delivered 1,656 all-purpose yards, ranking sixth within the AFC. Despite this, the running back position’s general undervaluation and the abundance of available backs this free agency cycle may affect his contract prospects. According to Spotrac, Gainwell’s market worth is estimated around a two-year deal worth $5.9 million. The Steelers will need to weigh their salary cap situation and roster priorities as free agency approaches, with Khan’s remarks underscoring the uncertainty and complexity involved.
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Indianapolis.
