The Pittsburgh Steelers will make roster changes after bringing in new head coach Mike McCarthy.
McCarthy is an offensive-minded head coach who may aim to recruit offensive players he has previously coached. However, he should also strive to retain one of the Steelers’ key free agents.
CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell identified Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell as a free agent that Pittsburgh should consider re-signing this offseason.
“Kenneth Gainwell had 1,023 yards from scrimmage in 2025, nearly 500 yards more than his previous career high,” Podell wrote on Thursday. “A big part of that was his 73 receptions, fourth-most among running backs behind Christian McCaffrey, Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs. When asked to handle a bigger load with Jaylen Warren out, he excelled: 256 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns in two starts.”
Gainwell played a significant role in the Steelers’ success, helping them secure the AFC North title this season. If Pittsburgh is considering bringing Aaron Rodgers back next season, Gainwell would be a strong addition alongside him, given their strong connection playing together.
Spotrac recently listed that Gainwell’s market value is around three million per season, which is slightly more than the one-year, $1.79 million deal the Steelers signed him to last season.
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