The Pittsburgh Steelers' hectic 2026 offseason is not going to slow down anytime soon. As the NFL nears free agency, the team has several players set to become available and several decisions to make. Running back Kenneth Gainwell and cornerback James Pierre are set to become free agents, but they may be staying put in the Steel City. On Friday, Chris Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette gave his thoughts on the likelihood that these two specific players find themselves in a different uniform in 2026. The answer from Carter provided some much-needed clarity for fans.
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Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell celebrates after a play in the 2025 NFL season.
With the team being linked to several free-agent wide receivers and having the need for secondary help as well as offensive line for 2026, keeping these two in Pittsburgh would be big. Pittsburgh's offense has a glaring need to improve its wide receiver room and with the recent news of offensive tackle Broderick Jones having neck fusion surgery, the team cannot afford to have positions added to the list of needs.
The team hired Mike McCarthy as head coach because tit wants to quickly retool and get back to the winning standards in the Steel City, rather than commit to a rebuild. Carter thinks the first piece to the puzzle is retaining the two key free agents.
"I'd expect Kenneth Gainwell and James Pierre to be back," Carter wrote.
Gainwell had a nice first year in Pittsburgh, rushing for 537 yards and five touchdowns. He also produced over 1,000 yards of offense as he was a factor in the passing game. Gainwell had 73 receptions for 486 yards and three touchdowns for the team in 2025. He proved to be a great second option at running back for Pittsburgh behind Jaylen Warren.
Pierre also had himself a strong 2025 campaign with the Steelers. Pierre had 30 total tackles (14 solo), along with one interception for the Black and Gold. He also was highly recognized as an excellent coverage cornerback. Pierre received an 86.2 overall grade at the position, which was good for second among all cornerbacks behind just Devon Witherspoon of the Seattle Seahawks. Pierre also received a coverage grade of 88.7, which was best in the entire NFL.
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Steelers cornerback James Pierre defending Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen in a game in the 2025 NFL season.
While the team can afford to lose some free agents, especially with its reported $45 million in cap space entering the 2026 offseason, these two players had great 2025 campaigns.
Pierre's breakout season is one that should have the organization eager to keep him around in 2026 and beyond. Pierre is still under 30 and may have really found his form in Pittsburgh in 2025. Gainwell is also a reliable veteran that has been a phenomenal second running back in his career, as he previously was in that role with the Philadelphia Eagles behind Saquon Barkley.
Steelers Have Bigger Needs In Free Agency And NFL Draft
The organization has bigger needs as NFL free agency rapidly approaches, in addition to adding to the roster via the draft. The team has been linked to several wide receivers around the league, whether it be via free agency or a potential trade. Pittsburgh also ua rumored to be high on several top-end wide receiver prospects in the draft, so keeping Pierre and Gainwell in Pittsburgh would be huge news ahead of the 2026 season.
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Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell walks off the field following a game in the 2025 NFL season.
With the contributions the Steelers saw on each side of the ball from Gainwell and Pierre, re-signing them in Pittsburgh would allow the team to focus on improving the wide receiver room. This has been noted as a huge focus for general manager Omar Khan and company.
While Carter's report on Pierre and Gainwell could end up not being true, keeping them would allow the organization to not only provide one upgrade at wide receiver, but multiple. Should they sign elsewhere, the list will then grow for positional needs ahead of the 2026 season.
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