Ravens Strange Decision Could Allow Steelers To Steal An Exciting Playmaker

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost their team MVP running back, Kenneth Gainwell, as the legal tampering period kicked off on Monday. Gainwell signed a two-year, $14 million deal to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leaving a significant hole in Pittsburgh’s backfield. With his departure, the Steelers’ running back room now turns to Jaylen Warren and second-year back Kaleb Johnson. Johnson was drafted in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft with hopes that he could contribute immediately, but his rookie season did not live up to expectations, as he struggled early and saw limited opportunities.

Now that Gainwell is gone, all eyes turn to Steelers GM Omar Khan and new head coach Mike McCarthy to see how they address the void in the running game. Pittsburgh has an opportunity to retool the backfield and potentially bring in a player who can step in and make an immediate impact. The team’s recent moves suggest that Khan and McCarthy could be willing to explore options both internally and externally to find a solution.

The Steelers may have already found a golden opportunity to do just that. Their AFC North rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, did not tender running back Keaton Mitchell, making him an unrestricted free agent. Ravens GM Eric DeCosta has seen his top three free agents leave on Monday, and Mitchell could be next to hit the open market. Pittsburgh now has a chance to 'steal' a talented back from a division rival and fill the gap left by Gainwell’s departure, potentially giving their offense a much-needed boost.

"The Ravens aren’t tendering RB Keaton Mitchell, per source," NFL insider Tom Pelissero revealed on Monday. "An intriguing addition to the free agent market."

It will be interesting to see what kind of market develops for a running back of Mitchell’s caliber. In 26 games over three seasons with the Ravens, Mitchell has proven to be a true yards-per-carry weapon. Despite coming into the NFL as an undrafted free agent, he has consistently demonstrated the ability to create explosive plays and change the game, even in a backup role. His elite speed allows him to turn small openings into long gains, making him a dangerous threat whenever he touches the ball.

Mitchell’s career numbers are impressive. He has averaged 6.3 yards per carry in the NFL, a figure that reflects his efficiency and playmaking ability. That success follows a stellar college career at ECU, where he averaged 7.2 yards per carry, showing that his game-breaking potential is not a fluke but a consistent skill set. 

Steelers Going After Ravens Running Back Keaton Mitchell Makes Tons Of Sense

For a team like the Steelers, whose rushing attack is currently led by Warren, Mitchell could bring a unique dynamic. His ability to produce explosive plays on limited touches mirrors what Gainwell offered in 2025, giving Pittsburgh a potential one-two punch in the backfield.

If Khan decides to make a move for Mitchell, it could be one of the best value acquisitions of the offseason. He is exactly the type of home-run backup running back who complements a lead back perfectly. 

With minimal carries, he can create long gains, keep defenses off balance, and provide a spark in critical situations. Adding a player like Mitchell would give the Steelers not just depth, but a dynamic weapon capable of shifting games, something that could help Pittsburgh’s offense regain the explosive edge it lost with Gainwell’s departure. Steelers fans will turn their focus to the open market as they watch and wait to see if Khan makes any moves at RB.

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