The Pittsburgh Steelers made the choice to let starting running back Najee Harris walk in free agency. With Harris joining the Los Angeles Chargers, the Steelers are now moving forward with a new running back room built around fresh talent and potential. This shift marks a new chapter for Pittsburgh’s offense as they adjust to life without their longtime lead back.
Eric Hartline / Imagn Images
Former Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell running with the football as he tries to shake a Steelers defender off of him.
To strengthen their backfield, the Steelers brought in free agent running back Kenneth Gainwell from the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Gainwell spent his time backing up one of the league’s best running backs, Saquon Barkley, gaining valuable experience in a high-powered offense. Alongside Gainwell, the Steelers also drafted Kaleb Johnson in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, adding youth and upside to the mix.
The running back room will feature Johnson, Jaylen Warren, and Gainwell as the heavy hitters, with Johnson and Warren expected to carry the bulk of the workload. Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith expressed his excitement on Wednesday about this group, praising their versatility and work ethic. This new trio gives Pittsburgh a dynamic and promising foundation to build their rushing attack around in the coming season.
"A lot of weapons back there; they all got different skill sets. Explosive players in a little different way. Kaleb, different style of player than Jaylen. We added Gainwell, depth in that room. So it'll work itself out. We got a lot of weapons back there. We're really excited about that room," Smith said when asked if Warren would be the starter.
In the 2024 season, the Steelers’ rushing attack under Smith’s guidance, led by Harris and Warren, was expected to be a major strength for the team. While there were flashes of potential and some solid moments on the ground, the running game ultimately fell short of the high expectations set by fans and analysts alike. The offense struggled to consistently establish the run, which limited their overall effectiveness and forced the Steelers to reevaluate their approach after the season ended.
A significant factor that hindered the rushing attack was Warren’s inability to build momentum due to injury setbacks throughout the year. Compounding the issue was an offensive line that faced its own challenges. The Steelers relied heavily on a young and promising unit up front, but as the season progressed, this group began to show signs of a rookie wall.
Injuries and inexperience took a toll, making it difficult for the line to create consistent running lanes and protect the backfield. This combination stalled the ground game and contributed to the team’s offensive struggles. Looking ahead to the 2025 season, optimism is high that the Steelers’ running game could emerge as a genuine strength.
With a healthier offensive line and key personnel moves made to bolster the front five, Pittsburgh is poised to improve its ability to open up holes for its backs. The addition of promising young running backs like Johnson, alongside Warren and Gainwell, gives the Steelers a dynamic backfield ready to take advantage of improved blocking. If the line can hold up and the backs stay healthy, the ground attack could become a foundational element of this offense’s success moving forward.
Steelers' Arthur Smith Wants To Get Back To Dominant Football
The Steelers have long valued the ability to run the football and dominate the game on the ground. However, they haven’t been able to seriously do that in recent years. With this three-back system, there is a real chance for versatility out of the backfield, and carries can be split effectively to save the legs of the running back room.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith pats running back Kaleb Johnson on the helmet.
Smith wants to get back to dominant football, and he should be able to do that in 2025 with Aaron Rodgers controlling the offense. A veteran leader like Rodgers can help take attention away from the backfield. The boxes shouldn’t be as stacked, and the offensive line’s improved play should help this running back group fit Smith’s vision.
#SteelerNation
