Steelers Get Answer From Kenneth Gainwell On What He Wants In 2026 Free Agency

The Pittsburgh Steelers could look back on the 2025 campaign as a failure if the team does not defeat the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday and move on to win a playoff game. It has been a year of highs and lows, which all comes down to the final contest of the NFL's regular season. It will be a chilly night in the Steel City, and controlling time of possession will be key. The duo of Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren will be extremely important if the organization wants to celebrate an AFC North championship and host a postseason matchup for the first time since the 2020 season.

No one could have guessed just how impactful Gainwell would be throughout the course of the season. He not only leads the team in receptions, but he was named as the Steelers' Most Valuable Player (MVP) after his teammates voted for him. That speaks a lot about how the locker room feels about the former Super Bowl champion. Unfortunately, he was playing on a one-year, prove-it deal and will be much more expensive to keep around than what may have been originally thought.

Pittsburgh will hopefully come to an agreement with the running back prior to the new league year and free agency beginning. There would be several front offices interested in signing the do-it-all offensive playmaker if he is unsigned by the time the legal tampering period begins. It would be even worse for the Steelers if he ended up signing within the AFC North and played for someone else.

On Friday, Gainwell spoke to the media as the last game of the regular season rapidly approaches. According to TribLive's Chris Adamski, the ball carrier has significant interest in returning to play for the Black and Gold.

"Kenny Gainwell is a free agent after the season and said he would love to stick with the Steelers in 2026," Adamski posted on X. "'This experience has been amazing to me. It's definitely something I would love to experience again.'"

It genuinely feels as if Gainwell has enjoyed playing for the Steelers. The team is expected to have some cap space to work with, and it'd be hard to deny a chance to bring back its MVP. It's possible however, that Gainwell and his representation decide to wait it out until free agency begins. He could be in the market for a serious increase in overall pay.

There have been several occasions in which Pittsburgh has relied on Gainwell and his abilities. His knack for making a difference on the field in different sets and formations has been a true on-field weapon. He even had, arguably, the play of the year in Week 16 when the Steelers went on to beat the Detroit Lions on the road.

The Steelers and Gainwell will likely have talks after the season ends, but there may not be a reason for him to rush into anything because of how much money he could be leaving on the table if he passes on negotiating with other teams. With that said, it'd be smart for Pittsburgh to make him an offer that he simply cannot refuse.

Steelers Have One Of The Best Running Back Pairings In The Entire NFL

While Warren is often under-appreciated, particularly because of how well Gainwell has played, the two make up a dynamic and elusive backfield. Pittsburgh is able to have them both on the field at the same time, which allows for several different play-calling opportunities. Warren recently signed a contract that ties him to the franchise through 2027, and the hope is that Gainwell will also get paid what he deserves very soon.

Do you think that the Steelers will re-sign Gainwell? Let us know in the comments below!

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