INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell signed a one-year, $1.79 million contract with the Steelers last March. It seemed like Gainwell would be a distant third in a running back room that included newly-extended Jaylen Warren and rookie third-round pick Kaleb Johnson. That could not have been further from what happened, as Gainwell became the most productive player on the Steelers’ offense and was eventually voted as team MVP by his teammates.
When asked about Gainwell’s future with the Steelers as a pending free agent at the NFL Combine, Steelers general manager Omar Khan said he has spoken with Gainwell’s agent and had a simple response about his possible future in Pittsburgh.
“He knows we want him back.”
Gainwell led the Steelers in receptions this past season with 73 catches for 486 yards and three touchdowns. He also added 537 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. Gainwell significantly outperformed his contract and will certainly be getting a raise from someone when the legal tampering period opens on March 9th.
According to Spotrac, Gainwell’s market value is three million dollars per season. Coming off the best season of his career and his close relationship with likely starter for 2026, Aaron Rodgers, all signs are pointing towards Gainwell getting a contract extension from the Steelers.
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