Steelers' Key Free Agent Could Return In A Package Deal

The Pittsburgh Steelers may have a new head coach and a start on his coaching staff, but there are still a ton of questions that need to be answered sooner rather than later. Of course, the biggest one is with the quarterback position, as there are not many intriguing options out there. They have spoken about their excitement for Will Howard, as well as their desire to get Aaron Rodgers back for another year, but there does not seem to be one option that would help this offense become a true threat in 2026. 

While making an appearance on Sportsline with George Von Benko, insider Ray Fittipaldo mentioned Rodgers possibly coming back, but it was in conjunction with another pending free agent, and how he would return if the 42-year-old does as well.

"[The Steelers] got that exclusive negotiating window from now to the middle of March until free agency gets here," Fittipaldo said. "I think the Steelers are motivated to get something done with [Kenneth Gainwell]. He's a really good player, and Aaron loved him. Aaron was really high on him, too, so if Aaron comes back, you know Gainwell's going to want to come back."

Fittipaldo is not wrong at all: Rodgers and Kenneth Gainwell almost had a little bromance together, as the former Super Bowl champion became one of the top receiving threats in 2025 for the Steelers. He led the team in total receptions with 73, and second place was not even close. There's definitely a reason why he was voted as the Team MVP, and it makes sense that Pittsburgh would want him back. 

Gainwell had over 1,000 total scrimmage yards despite only playing 50% of the snaps, as well as getting 633 kickoff return yards on 26 attempts. After the season he had, he could easily hit free agency and make some good money on a team that needs stability at the running back position, whereas he would still be listed as the RB2 behind Jaylen Warren on the Steelers' depth chart if he returned to Pittsburgh.

However, there is most likely no other quarterback that would give Gainwell the attention and opportunities that Rodgers would. Nobody else would likely target a running back 85 times, even if most of them were checkdowns and screens. The physical decline of the four-time MVP, as well as his unwillingness to take hits, is Gainwell's gain. He can keep getting the ball with a passer that loves him and relies on him as a safety blanket.

Steelers Would Likely Give Gainwell Opportunities That No One Else Would

The Kansas City Chiefs could definitely benefit from having a man like Gainwell on the team. However, that is not a very running back-friendly team, as they rely more on the tight ends and quick passes to the wide receivers. He would likely be more of a pass blocker and a change-of-pace speed back in that system, as opposed to a guy that Patrick Mahomes would rely on in key situations and regularly get the ball to. 

Outside of Kansas City, there are very few, if any, teams that have a gaping hole at running back. Many people say that a good back is a dime a dozen, as offensive line and scheme matters more for the position than the actual talent of the player in many cases. The best-case scenario for Gainwell if he leaves is he finds another spot where he could thrive as a 1B option.

In Pittsburgh, Gainwell was used as the 1B anyways to Warren, the 1A. Without Rodgers, he may have the same situation with the Steelers as he would likely have elsewhere, as a new coaching staff and quarterback would not put as much of an emphasis on him as the previous regime did. If the 42-year-old does return, his new favorite target could as well.

What do you think about Rodgers and Gainwell being a package deal together? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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