Steelers Face Tough Decision on Keeping Kenneth Gainwell

Insider forecasts big free agency figure for Steelers running back that team may struggle to match

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell is set to hit free agency, and an insider believes his market value could reach $7-8 million per year. The Steelers used Gainwell extensively last season, but matching a high-priced offer may be difficult given their other financial commitments, including re-signing Jaylen Warren. The team must weigh Gainwell's breakout 2025 campaign against the sustainability of his production and the overall running back market.

Why it matters

Gainwell's potential departure would create a significant hole in the Steelers' backfield, as he emerged as a valuable dual-threat option alongside Jaylen Warren. Retaining Gainwell is a priority, but the team must balance his value with their salary cap constraints and the risk of overpaying for a single-season breakout.

The details

Following a career year in which he rushed for 537 yards and 5 touchdowns while adding 586 yards and 3 touchdowns as a receiver, Gainwell's market value is expected to be in the $7-8 million per year range, according to Steelers beat writer Ray Fittipaldo. The team used Gainwell extensively as a 1A option to Warren, but matching a high-priced offer from another team may be difficult. The Steelers signed Gainwell for under $2 million last season as an unrestricted free agent, and they must now decide if they are willing to pay significantly more to retain him.

  • Gainwell can begin talking to teams about leaving the Steelers today at noon on March 9, 2026.

The players

Kenneth Gainwell

A running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers who is set to hit free agency after a breakout 2025 season.

Jaylen Warren

A running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers who is expected to receive a contract north of $5 million per year.

Ray Fittipaldo

A Steelers beat writer who believes Gainwell's market value could reach $7-8 million per year.

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What they’re saying

“I'm guessing [Kenneth] Gainwell, his market's gonna be in that $7-8 million a year range. He's a third-down back, but he's a really, really good third-down back. And the Steelers used him almost as a 1A to Jaylen Warren, so there's a team out there that envisions a similar role for him. I could even see that go beyond $8 million, but I'm gonna say between $7 and $8 million for him. And I think the Steelers will consider that. If Gainwell comes back to the Steelers and says, 'Hey, this is the number, can you match it?', we'll see if the Steelers want to match it.”

— Ray Fittipaldo, Steelers beat writer (Sportsline)

What’s next

The Steelers must decide whether to match any lucrative offer Gainwell receives in free agency or let him depart for a bigger payday elsewhere.

The takeaway

Retaining Kenneth Gainwell is a priority for the Steelers, but they must weigh his breakout 2025 season against the risk of overpaying for a player with limited prior production. The team's ability to match a potential $7-8 million per year offer will be a key factor in determining Gainwell's future in Pittsburgh.