Kenneth Gainwell, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ current team MVP, is set to enter free agency at the start of the new NFL league year despite the team’s interest in retaining him beyond 2026. This development has created uncertainty for the Steelers as Gainwell explores his options on the open market.
Insider Perspective on Gainwell’s Free Agency Decision
Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette provided further insight into Gainwell’s situation during a recent discussion on 102.5 WDVE. Dulac noted the rarity of a team MVP departing so soon after such a distinction, referencing that the last time this happened was in 1996 with Neil O’Donnell.
“If he does leave, it’d be the first time since Neil O’Donnell in 1996 when the team MVP left the following year. It just seems kind of odd that that would be the case. He wants to test the market. They know that, we’ll see what the market bears for running back,”
Dulac said.
Regarding contract expectations, Dulac compared Gainwell’s situation to teammate Jaylen Warren’s $5.5 million salary, raising the question of whether the Steelers would commit more than that to Gainwell.
“Jaylen Warren makes five-and-a-half million. Are they gonna pay him more than Jaylen Warren per year? I don’t know about that. Sure, they’d like to keep him, but it’s kinda like Justin Fields.”
He added,
“If he’s gonna test the market, he’s gonna test the market. We’ll see what he gets.”
Gainwell’s Performance and Contract Outlook
Gainwell delivered a standout 2025 season, rushing for a career-high 537 yards and five touchdowns on 114 carries. He also led the Steelers with 73 receptions, totaling 486 yards and three touchdowns. These stats came after he accepted a one-year, $1.79 million contract to leave the Philadelphia Eagles for a larger role in Pittsburgh.
This gamble allowed Gainwell to prove his value, positioning him for a potentially substantial contract in free agency. Projections from media outlets estimate he could secure a two-year deal worth between $8 million and $10 million, with guaranteed money around $4 million. However, Gainwell may aim for a longer contract term or a higher salary on the open market.
Comparison to Justin Fields’ Recent Contract Situation
Dulac drew parallels between Gainwell’s current free agency status and quarterback Justin Fields’ recent experience. Fields, who started six games for the Steelers in 2024, was welcomed back by the team but at a cost they found steep. He ultimately signed a two-year, $40 million deal with the New York Jets, which did not meet expectations, and Fields is expected to return to free agency soon.
Like Fields, Gainwell remains valuable as a complementary piece. Dulac emphasized,
“He’s never been a starter. Nobody’s gonna sign him as a starter. He’s a complementary back who could catch the ball. And in today’s NFL, that’s a nice piece of the puzzle. So we’ll see what he commands.”
Potential Impact on Steelers’ Roster and Strategy
Should Gainwell choose to leave, the Steelers will face the challenge of filling his role alongside Jaylen Warren in the backfield. Despite head coach Mike McCarthy’s new offensive system, Gainwell’s pass-catching ability makes him a unique asset. The Steelers could either pursue a new running back through free agency or select a candidate in the 2026 NFL Draft, where second-year player Kaleb Johnson is also in consideration.
Ultimately, the Steelers hope Gainwell finds the open market less appealing and decides to return on a deal acceptable to both sides, rewarding him for his contribution while maintaining team salary flexibility.
