Kenneth Gainwell is the Steelers’ most notable non-quarterback pending free agent, but how much do they value him going forward? They seemed to unlock something in him last year, having a career year thanks to a larger role. But the regime that enabled that run is gone, and perhaps so too is his quarterback, Aaron Rodgers.
After toiling behind others on the depth chart for four years with the Eagles, Gainwell signed with the Steelers in free agency in 2025, hoping for a larger role. He got that and more, playing a roughly equal role to Jaylen Warren. In all, he totaled over 1,000 yards from scrimmage on 187 touches. His teammates voted him the Steelers’ MVP, and Ray Fittipaldo believes the Steelers want to ensure they keep him around.
“I will say this: they do not want that to happen”, he said about the Steelers losing Kenneth Gainwell in free agency on 93.7 The Fan. “I think they’re gonna do everything in their power to make sure Gainwell does come back. But you know how it is. You’ve got to strike while the iron’s hot if you’re a guy in Kenneth Gainwell’s position. So maybe he will want to test free agency”.
Gainwell signed a one-year contract worth under $2 million last season. Over the course of his career, he hasn’t earned much more than that. While most of us would have liked to have had his career earnings to date, that’s still a rather modest amount for an NFL player.
Based on his performance last season, Gainwell is in line for a fairly handsome raise. But the way many have discussed it, I can’t help but wonder if we’re not creating our own hysteria. He might be one of the Steelers’ most significant free agents, but he isn’t relative to the NFL more broadly.
One thing new Steelers HC Mike McCarthy said when he came in was that if he scheme couldn’t accommodate a good player—I paraphrase—then there’s something wrong with the scheme. I’m inclined to believe he values Kenneth Gainwell and sees his potential in his offense.
At the same time, the Steelers still have Jaylen Warren, who has somehow been overshadowed. For years, fans wanted him as the lead back over Najee Harris, and now the drive has lessened. Yet Warren had a strong season last year, also surpassing 1,000 yards. They also have Kaleb Johnson, last year’s third-round pick. What do they do if they lose their MVP?
“Maybe early Day 3 you get another guy to go with [Jaylen] Warren and Kaleb Johnson”, Fittipaldo said of the Steelers’ potential replacement plans. “But Gainwell, he’s their guy, and I don’t think they want to let him out of the building”.
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