The Steelers 2025 team MVP will be joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2026.
Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Gainwell will be signing a two-year, $14 million deal in Tampa Bay.
The $7 million per year average likely priced Gainwell out of a return to Pittsburgh, where Jaylen Warren is already making just under $6 million per season. Per ESPN Steelers beat writer Brooke Pryor, the Steelers “[really wanted](https://x.com/bepryor/status/2031057154090692653)” to keep Gainwell around. That leaves Warren and 2025 third-round Kaleb Johnson as the top two runners in Pittsburgh.
Gainwell broke out with the Steelers on a one-year, $1.79 million deal in 2025, with 1,023 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns. He was a receiving weapon for Aaron Rodgers, with the Pittsburgh quarterback saying his goal was to get Gainwell paid in the offseason.
It appears that mission was accomplished.
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