Kenneth Gainwell, the Pittsburgh Steelers' Most Valuable Player for the 2025 season, is on the cusp of becoming a free agent next month. His impressive performance has caught the eye of multiple NFL teams, particularly within the NFC South and AFC West conferences. This development, first highlighted by Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport, suggests a significant shift in Gainwell's career trajectory, potentially impacting the Steelers' offensive strategy and opening doors for emerging talent within their roster.
Kenneth Gainwell: A Coveted Free Agent on the Horizon
In a significant development for the NFL free agency landscape, Kenneth Gainwell, the running back who earned the Pittsburgh Steelers' MVP title in 2025, is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March. Reports from Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport indicate that Gainwell has drawn interest from prominent teams, specifically mentioning the New Orleans Saints and the Kansas City Chiefs. His potential departure from Pittsburgh follows a standout year where he showcased his versatility and offensive prowess.
Gainwell's 2025 season with the Steelers marked a career high in terms of involvement, registering 187 total touches, including an impressive 73 receptions. He surpassed the 1,000 total yardage mark and achieved an average of 4.7 yards per carry, finding the end zone eight times. Despite his relatively compact build, measuring 5'9" and weighing 200 pounds, Gainwell's adaptability as a role player has made him an attractive prospect for modern NFL offenses, which increasingly utilize backfield committees. Davenport emphasizes that Gainwell offers a proven, productive player at a potentially affordable rate, making him a valuable acquisition for teams looking to enhance their offensive depth.
The speculation surrounding Gainwell's exit is not new; insider Mark Kaboly had previously suggested that the Steelers might lose their talented running back in free agency. Should Gainwell indeed move on, it could create a significant opportunity for Kaleb Johnson to step into a more prominent role in his second professional season.
The impending free agency of Kenneth Gainwell highlights the dynamic nature of NFL player movement. His case underscores how a player's versatility and performance, even within a specific role, can generate considerable interest across the league. For the Steelers, this situation presents both a challenge in replacing a key offensive weapon and an opportunity to develop younger talent. For the Saints or Chiefs, acquiring Gainwell could provide a significant boost to their respective offenses. This scenario also reminds us that in professional sports, success often breeds change, as players seek new opportunities and teams adapt their rosters to stay competitive.
