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NFL insider Mark Kaboly projected running back Kenneth Gainwell to not sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026 NFL free agency.
While free agency can create opportunities for teams to add more veteran help, it also creates opportunities for teams to lose significant contributors. In the most recent case of the Pittsburgh Steelers, it is the latter. More specifically, they have now lost their team MVP from a season ago.
According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have agreed to terms on a two-year deal worth $14 million with free agent running back Kenneth Gainwell. After one season in Pittsburgh, Gainwell now heads on down to Florida.
Kenneth Gainwell Greatly Helped the Pittsburgh Steelers
GettyKenneth Gainwell averaged 4.7 yards per rush attempt in 2025.
To say that the Steelers are losing a significant contributor is a bit of an understatement. While working as part of running-back-by-committee approach with fellow running back Jaylen Warren, Gainwell ended up having a career year. He set career-highs in rushing yards (537), receptions (73), and scrimmage yards (1,023). Those aforementioned 73 receptions led the entire team.
Coming over from the Philadelphia Eagles fresh off a Super Bowl title, Gainwell was playing on a one-year deal in 2025. But after an outstanding season that saw him show off his all-purpose skills, he has earned a multi-year deal from another playoff-caliber team.
Now, it will be up to the Steelers to try and replace him. Think about this, without him, who knows if they win the AFC North? Who knows if former head coach Mike Tomlin secures an NFL-record 19th consecutive winnig season? That is how important his contributions were in the Steel City this past season.
How Can the Steelers Replace Kenneth Gainwell?
GettySteelers GM Omar Khan is entering his 26th season with the organization.
The bad news for Pittsburgh is that it is losing a multi-faceted player, and those do not grow on trees. However, the good news is that the team has plenty of opportunities to try and replace him. In terms of cap space, the Steelers still have over $18  million in cap space. Furthermore, they will also be picking five times within the first three rounds of the NFL Draft. Look for the Steelers to have a plan in place to fill that backup running back position.
Of course, the team still has Warren at their disposal. The soon-to-be fifth-year running back is coming off a career year. His 958 rushing yards led the team, as did his 1,291 scrimmage yards. Still just 27 years of age, he has plenty of juice left in the tank and will be set to play a major role in new head coach Mike McCarthy’s offense in 2026.
With the team’s recent trade for Michael Pittman Jr., this Steelers offense has a chance to be a dangerous unit. This could especially be true if future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers returns for his 22nd career NFL season. An offense that includes Rodgers, Warren, DK Metcalf, and Pittman feels tough to stop. But make no mistake about it, this team could feel the loss of Gainwell, both on the field and in the locker room, this upcoming season.
Tim Lindsey A Chicago-area native, Tim Lindsey has covered the world of sports through a variety of different lenses. More specifically, he has been an NFL writer for sites such as Sports Illustrated and PFSN. Notable teams like the Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, and Pittsburgh Steelers have been a major point of emphasis for the longtime writer in the past. More about Tim Lindsey
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