Steelers Will Have A High-Priority Contract To Get Done Prior To Free Agency After The 2025 Season Ends

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an up and down season in 2025, and that was somewhat expected after the amount of roster turnover the team had during the 2025 offseason. Many important positions have seen changes, including left tackle, quarterback, running back, and throughout the entire secondary. The Steelers are now in a great spot after winning two games in a row to move to 8-6 on the year as the group fights for a playoff spot by winning the AFC North, and there have been some unsung heroes that have helped Pittsburgh get to this point.

Most fans probably recognize how critical some of the organization's offseason additions have been to the team's success in 2025. Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, and Jalen Ramsey are the obvious names to mention, while guys like Brandin Echols and Kenneth Gainwell have also played very well since putting on the black and gold. Gainwell in particular has been one of the most productive players on the offense as he is second on the team in receiving. 

Pittsburgh signed Gainwell to just a one-year deal during the 2025 offseason, and team insider Gerry Dulac shared during a recent mailbag with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he believes the team will look to bring him back for a few more years.

"Gainwell has been a steal at $1.8 million this year," Dulac wrote. "And they won't do anything during the season, but I believe they will want to bring him back for next year -- and maybe then some. I think they will give KG a new deal."

The organization certainly got Gainwell for a steal as he signed near the veteran minimum after spending four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was mostly the third-down back during his time in Philadelphia, but he has blossomed into a much more impactful player in Pittsburgh. His talent was always evident with the Eagles, but it was just hard to get him on the field when players like Saquon Barkley were on the roster.

Pittsburgh's running back room saw a major shift during the 2025 offseason as four-year starter Najee Harris was not brought back in free agency. Jaylen Warren assumed the role of the starter, with Gainwell backing him up. Fans quickly realized that this backfield was going to be more of a 50-50 split, and that is what it has been throughout the year.

In 2025, Gainwell has carried the ball 91 times for 451 yards and four touchdowns, while catching 57 passes for 332 yards and two touchdowns. He has also served as Pittsburgh's kick returner, which showcases his versatility and what he can bring to a team.

Warren has missed some time during the 2025 season due to injuries, and it was speculated that he was limited in some games. He has 685 yards on the ground with four touchdowns, as well as 33 receptions for 292 yards and two touchdowns. Neither player in the duo is necessarily an All-Pro caliber player, but together, they make up one of the most productive backfields in the league.

Steelers' Kenneth Gainwell Will Be Looking To Get Paid During 2026 Offseason

Gainwell signed a one-year deal worth just under $1.8 million with the Steelers during the 2025 offseason. He has had the best season of his career and proven that he can be of service on special teams as well, while also being an elite receiving back. He has also held up well in pass protection. He should be getting a pretty decent deal during the 2026 offseason, and the Steelers will aim to keep him around according to Dulac. According to OverTheCap, Gainwell's performance this season could earn him around $3.8 million per season moving forward. The Steelers could offer him a deal in the three-year, $11.5 million range.

What do you think about Gainwell possibly getting a new deal in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments below!

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