Steelers Get Encouraged To Sign Young, Exciting RB To Push Jaylen Warren

The Pittsburgh Steelers seemed correct in their choice to part ways with running back Najee Harris after the 2024 season. Now, the Steelers have moved forward in the 2025 season with Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell leading the backfield. Gainwell has emerged as a legitimate star in this offense, showcasing versatility as both a runner and a receiver out of the backfield. 

Considering his one-year, $1.79 million contract, Gainwell is arguably one of the best values in the entire NFL, proving that the Steelers’ investment in him was both smart and cost-effective. His performance has given the Steelers confidence in their backfield moving forward, but it also raises questions about how to handle the position once his contract expires.

Gainwell is expected to command a significant payday after the 2025 season, reflecting his breakout contributions. Meanwhile, Warren has continued to show promise. Despite the strong production from these two, former NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew has offered the Steelers some candid advice for how to address their running back room heading into the 2026 season. Jones-Drew emphasized the value of not only relying on current talent but also exploring high-caliber options in free agency to maintain a dynamic, championship-caliber offense.

"Re-signing Gainwell might be a priority this offseason, given how well he's played in the second half of the year, specifically in the pass game as a third-down back," Jones-Drew  said. "But I think Pittsburgh needs to bring in a back who would also push Warren for first- and second-down reps. There are a number of options the Steelers could target in free agency. To me, they'd be wise to make a run at Kenneth Walker III."

Jones-Drew specifically highlighted Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III as a potential target for Pittsburgh. Walker is a proven, explosive runner who could immediately upgrade the Steelers’ backfield and provide insurance if Gainwell departs in free agency. Bringing in a player of Walker’s caliber would also give the Steelers a two-headed rushing attack capable of keeping defenses off balance and protecting their offensive line. 

If Pittsburgh is serious about maintaining a strong running game in 2026, Jones-Drew’s advice suggests that investing in a top-tier running back now could pay dividends, ensuring the Steelers remain competitive while giving Warren and Gainwell room to thrive. 

Steelers Have Already Invested In Young Rookie Running Back

The other side of this is that Pittsburgh invested a third-round draft pick to select running back Kaleb Johnson in the 2025 NFL Draft. He was expected to play a larger role in this offense, but so far he hasn’t earned the trust of the coaching staff. Johnson’s development will be closely watched, as the Steelers will need him to progress if they hope to maintain depth and balance in the backfield for the seasons to come.

For now, Pittsburgh’s running game relies heavily on the proven production of Gainwell and Warren, while the potential of Johnson remains a work in progress that could influence the team’s strategy heading into the 2026 season. 

The idea of paying market value to acquire a running back like Walker is certainly interesting, but it doesn’t feel like the most ideal move for the Steelers. It will be intriguing to see what Gainwell commands in free agency and whether the Steelers consider bringing in a player like Walker or another running back to complement their offense. Ultimately, Pittsburgh will need to balance keeping their emerging talent, developing younger players like Johnson, and potentially adding proven help to maintain a dynamic and balanced backfield.

Should the Steelers sign an outside RB in the 2026 free agency? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!

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