The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the midst of a crucial offseason. After overhauling their coaching staff, it’s nearly time to address their roster via free agency, trades and the NFL Draft.
While the Steelers are expected to focus on wide receiver, one area they shouldn’t overlook is running back. While Jaylen Warren is still under contract, their RB2 Kenneth Gainwell will be a free agent.
Last season was Gainwell’s first with Pittsburgh, and it was also the best of his career. He set personal highs in numerous categories, including touchdowns (eight) and total scrimmage yards (1,023).
That production will be difficult to replace and makes the former Super Bowl champ worth retaining, even at a higher salary than last year. He’s due for a raise heading into his age-27 season, and he deserves it.
Gainwell is also one of the most durable players in football at a position where keeping players healthy is notoriously difficult. Not only did he play every game last year, but he also didn’t miss a single practice.
That’s par for the course for Gainwell, however, who’s only missed two games in his entire career since debuting in 2021. During that time, he leads all running backs with at least 200 carries in games played, according to Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot.
The biggest ability is availability, and the former Philadelphia Eagle has that in spades. He was a great fit for the Steelers last year, and they’d be wise to bring him back.
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