The Steelers are finalizing a one-year contract with running back Kenneth Gainwell, according to a report by Fox.
Gainwell, 25, joins the Steelers backfield one day after Najee Harris signed with the Chargers. He joins Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson as the other running backs on the roster. Warren, a restricted free agent, had a second-round tender placed on him by the Steelers on Monday for $5.3 million, meaning the team can match any offer Warren might receive in free agency or get a second-round pick in return if they decline.
The move with Warren was expected because the Steelers were not intending to re-sign Najee Harris, who agreed to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday.
Gainwell played his first four seasons in Philadelphia after being selected in the fifth round of the 2021 draft. He has 1,185 career rushing yards and 13 total touchdowns and served as the backup to Saquon Barkley last season.
Gainwell totaled 60 yards on 10 touches against the Steelers — including a season-high 40 receiving yards — during the Eagles’ 27-13 victory on Dec. 15 in Philadelphia. He’s registered at least 16 receptions in each of his four NFL seasons and had six carries for 10 yards in the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in February. His career-best rushing performance came during a divisional round playoff win in 2022 when he rushed 12 times for 112 yards, including a 35-yard score.
First Published: March 11, 2025, 10:36 p.m.
