Steelers Weigh Options at Running Back in Free Agency

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Pittsburgh Steelers enter free agency with nearly $45 million in salary cap space, and running back is a high priority position to address. The team has Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Lew Nichols and Max Hurleman under contract, but star Kenneth Gainwell is an unrestricted free agent after a standout season. The Steelers may look to add a mid-tier free agent like JK Dobbins, Rico Dowdle or Jerome Ford to provide depth, or potentially target a trade for a player like the Saints' Kendre Miller. In the draft, the Steelers are eyeing prospects like Arkansas' Mike Washington Jr. and Nebraska's Emmett Johnson.

Why it matters

Running back is a critical position for the Steelers' offense, and with Gainwell's potential departure, the team must find a way to maintain production and depth at the position. The Steelers' free agency and draft decisions at running back will be closely watched as they look to build on a promising 2025 season.

The details

The Steelers currently have Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Lew Nichols and Max Hurleman under contract at running back. Warren is expected to be the lead back again in 2026 after signing a new deal last offseason, but the team must decide on the future of Gainwell, who was the team's best offensive player and MVP in 2025. Gainwell is likely to command a lucrative contract as a feature back elsewhere, which could leave the Steelers searching for depth options in free agency and the draft.

• The Steelers enter free agency with nearly $45 million in salary cap space.

What’s next

The Steelers will need to make a decision on whether to re-sign Kenneth Gainwell or let him test free agency, and they will also look to add depth through free agency and the draft.