Contract details for running back Kenneth Gainwell have been revealed and it’s a cheap deal for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Gainwell signed a one-year deal for $1.79 million, $620k of which is guaranteed.
Previous reports indicated Gainwell signed just a one-year contract but the money wasn’t previously known. It’s a low-level deal that speaks to a depressed veteran market, most likely due to a strong rookie class.
Dave Bryan added details over how the deal is most likely structured. Confirmation should be known within the coming days.
Factoring in roster displacement, Bryan also notes Pittsburgh used up just $830k in cap space.
The other running backs included in Pelissero’s tweet is indicative with a soft market. Former Steelers’ running back Najee Harris’ contract with the Los Angeles Chargers is another example. Despite four-straight 1,000 yard rushing seasons and potentially entering 2025 as the team’s starter, he received a one-year deal with a base salary of just over $5 million though incentives can push up the deal above $9 million.
Gainwell spent four years with the Philadelphia Eagles and spent 2024 as Saquon Barkley’s primary backup. Often playing on third down, he finished the year with 75 rushes for 290 yards and one rushing score while chipping in 16 receptions for 116 yards and zero scores. Gainwell also returned 18 kick returns for a solid 25.3-yard average.
Over his Eagles’ career, he carried the ball 280 times for 1,185 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also caught 102 passes for 721 yards and one score.
Based on Gainwell’s resume and his contract, a cheap short-term deal, his signing shouldn’t change the Steelers’ draft plans and they’re likely to address the position next month. The bigger obstacle to landing a running back will be the team’s lack of a second-round pick and likelihood of addressing a defensive lineman in the first round, easily the team’s biggest need behind landing a starting quarterback.
Jaylen Warren, Cordarelle Patterson, Aaron Shampklin, Jonathan Ward, Evan Hull, and Gainwell currently make up the Steelers’ offseason roster.
