Steelers Expected To Go Cheap And Anger Fan Base When Trying To Re-Sign Top Free Agent

The Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have a 2026 offseason of restructuring the roster and depth chart. While no kind of rebuild is expected with Mike McCarthy now leading the way, a new coach typically means that there will be some changes. This could be particularly relevant when the team begins to focus on the offensive side of the ball. With the new play-caller in town also being one of the leaders when it comes to the 53-man roster, there could be some familiar names that are no longer part of the short and long-term visions of the fresh regime.

The Steelers have a plethora of soon-to-be free agents and are racing against the clock to sign some of the top performers. Once the legal tampering period begins, Pittsburgh will be at risk of losing any un-signed individuals. It will be imperative for McCarthy and General Manager Omar Khan to focus on getting pen put to paper for certain contributors that played well in 2025.

Arguably the most impactful guy on the list is running back Kenneth Gainwell. The ball carrier played on a one-year, prove-it deal, and he certainly made the most of it. The team's Most Valuable Player should have many suitors in free agency, which is why it is important for the Steelers to try and get him signed prior to that threat coming up.

Unfortunately, that may not occur. Reporter and insider Gerry Dulac held a fan chat on Wednesday, and went into detail about what it's looking like for Gainwell. First, McCarthy has to see him fitting into the offensive scheme, and then, Pittsburgh has to pay up. It's not expected that they end up doing that, and that could lead to Gainwell holding out for free agency.

"Gainwell will be signed if 1) McCarthy thinks he fits with his offense, and 2) he doesn't decide to test the free agent market, where he could get an offer twice or three times what the Steelers will offer him," Dulac wrote.

It's hard to imagine a playmaker such as Gainwell not working into McCarthy's offense in some way, but it's Dulac's second point that is cause for concern. It already appears that those in the building believe the running back is due a hefty paycheck, and Pittsburgh may not be willing to agree to terms. This would lead to Gainwell getting paid much more by another franchise.

Gainwell is still just 26 years old and had an awesome year in 2025. It would be foolish to let him experience the open market, but to prevent him from doing that, the Steelers will need to pay a little bit more than they may be comfortable with. Fans will want him to return, as he was one of the biggest surprises of the entire 2025 campaign.

He added 537 rushing yards, 486 receiving yards and a total of eight touchdowns. He was a force within the offense that McCarthy could get even more creative with. The organization would not have to worry about the position for some time, with Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson also on the roster. If the new head coach, however, wants to see more of Johnson, the front office isn't likely to pay top dollar for Gainwell.

Steelers Could Boast The NFL's Best Running Back Room In 2026

If Gainwell and Warren continue to piggy-back off of one another, the duo could be looked at as one of the league's most formidable units. The final decision will likely be regarding where the team wants to spend money throughout the 2026 offseason. With that said, the franchise is expected to have plenty of cap space, and the fan base will not be pleased if Gainwell is not offered something significant.

Do you think the Steelers need to sign Gainwell before the legal tampering period begins? Let us know in the comments below!

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