There’s just something about former NFL running backs and suggesting the Pittsburgh Steelers pursue one of the biggest names at the position in free agency this offseason.
In late December, Maurice Jones-Drew said the Steelers should make a run at eventual Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III in free agency. Now, former Seattle Seahawks running back and CBS Sports analyst Robert Turbin believes the Steelers are one of the best landing spots for the big-name free agent.
Along with the Steelers, Turbin highlighted the Kansas City Chiefs and — obviously — the Seahawks as the best landing spots for Walker.
“I think Kenneth Walker is just a step above [Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell],” Turbin said of Walker in Pittsburgh, according to video via CBS Sports. “A guy who’s proven now that he can carry the ball 20-plus times a game and be that bell-cow style of running back that I think the Pittsburgh Steelers really need at this moment of time. Kenneth Gainwell is not really a three-down back. They don’t have that three-down back type player in their backfield right now.
“You get Kenneth Walker III, he provides that for you. And I think that’s why he’s a good fit for the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
Walker was already a big-name free agent at the running back position coming out of the regular season. Then, he went on a terrific run in the postseason, culminating in a dominant showing in Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots as he rushed for 135 yards to win the game’s MVP.
Now, he’s set to really cash in on the open market.
The Steelers might have a need at the position depending on what happens with Kenneth Gainwell, the reigning Steelers’ MVP. Gainwell might price himself out of Pittsburgh after a big year as a runner and receiver. Jaylen Warren is locked into a long-term extension with the Steelers, too, and Kaleb Johnson is aiming for a bounce back in Year 2 after a disastrous rookie season.
If Pittsburgh loses Gainwell, they’ll need that dual-threat guy out of the backfield to pair with Warren. Walker isn’t that; he struggles to catch the football out of the backfield.
He’s a force on the ground, though, and the Steelers experienced that first-hand in 2025 as Walker ran wild on the Steelers in Week 2 at Acrisure Stadium.
However, he’s struggled with injuries throughout his career and has a lot of wear and tear on his treads. Pro Football Focus projects Walker to receive a three-year, $27 million deal in free agency, with $20 million guaranteed. That might be a bit too pricey for the Steelers at running back.
But if they want a true bellcow and to slot Warren back into that dual-threat role under first-year head coach Mike McCarthy, Walker would be an ideal target.
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