Kenneth Gainwell, coming off a standout 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, is poised for a lucrative contract when he enters free agency next week. The running back’s performance has drawn attention ahead of his contract negotiations, with projections estimating a deal worth around $10 million over two years.
Daniel Popper of The Athletic recently assessed top free agents, ranking Gainwell as the eighth-best running back and 86th overall among all pending free agents. This potential contract would represent a considerable jump from the $1.79 million one-year deal Gainwell signed with Pittsburgh in March last year.
Gainwell’s Breakout Season After Joining the Steelers
Before joining Pittsburgh, Gainwell spent four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and played a key role in their Super Bowl LIX victory in February 2025. Seeking a larger role, he signed with the Steelers, moving across Pennsylvania to a new team and environment.
Uncertainty initially surrounded his place in the Steelers’ backfield, with competition from Jaylen Warren and rookie Kaleb Johnson. However, Gainwell seized his opportunity in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings when Warren was sidelined with a knee injury. He rushed and received for a combined 134 yards and scored two touchdowns, signaling his importance to the offense.
He maintained a steady presence throughout the season, particularly as a receiving threat, finishing with 1,023 total yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns. His efforts earned him the Steelers’ team MVP honors, solidifying his impact in Pittsburgh.
Uncertainty Surrounds Gainwell’s Return to Pittsburgh
With a new coaching establishment led by Mike McCarthy taking over, the Steelers’ offensive plans could shift, casting doubt on Gainwell’s future role. Nevertheless, general manager Omar Khan has expressed a clear interest in bringing Gainwell back, emphasizing that the running back is familiar with the organization and that the team wants him to return.
Despite this, other teams are expected to pursue Gainwell aggressively. Reporter Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently noted that while the Steelers are prepared for the possibility of losing Gainwell, they hope to keep their key contributor amid the competitive free agency landscape.
Financially, the Steelers appear well positioned to re-sign Gainwell, with nearly $40 million in cap space available. Committing to a two-year, $10 million contract would be manageable without compromising other roster improvements.
Implications of Gainwell’s Contract Talks for Pittsburgh
Although a $10 million deal over two years is substantial for a running back who has not consistently matched last season’s output throughout his career, the recent performance was far from a fluke. Gainwell proved crucial to Pittsburgh’s offensive success in 2025 and represents a valuable asset moving forward.
The Steelers face a key decision in navigating both player retention and salary cap strategy, as the outcome of Gainwell’s negotiations will have ripple effects on their roster composition and competitiveness.
