The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 Team MVP Kenneth Gainwell happened to be a backup running back on a one-year deal, and he could easily test the waters of free agency. Between that and the lack of development of Kaleb Johnson, it would not be surprising to see this team go out and grab another rusher to either compete with him for the backup role or with Jaylen Warren for the starting spot. With that position not getting a ton of money each season, there is a great chance that Pittsburgh could get a bargain deal for a top option.
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Steelers' Jaylen Warren with Kenneth Gainwell prior to the AFC North title game at the end of the 2025 regular season.
1.) Kenneth Gainwell - Pittsburgh Steelers
The top option would, in fact, be the 2025 team MVP. Gainwell might have a new head coach and potentially a different starting quarterback in Pittsburgh, but the language of the offense will supposedly be the same. The Steelers will get the exclusive negotiating window to talk to him and see if they can come to an agreement. They could still bring him back if he doesn't get what he's looking for on the open market.
Despite being the backup, Gainwell had over 1,000 total scrimmage yards, and he even led the team in receiving yards. If Aaron Rodgers does return, that will give even more incentive for the breakout back to return and play for a quarterback who relies on him so much. His pass-catching abilities from the backfield will surely be missed if he signs a deal to go elsewhere.
2.) Kenneth Walker - Seattle Seahawks
From one Kenneth to another, Kenneth Walker III is currently the primary running back for the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. He has shown that he can do well while splitting carries with Zach Charbonnet, but he has also shown the ability to carry the load on his own in the postseason once Charbonnet went down with an injury in the postseason. The fact that he won Super Bowl MVP showed what he can do as a workhorse.
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Seattle running back Kenneth Walker runs with the football during an away game in Pittsburgh versus the Steelers.
Walker had 1,000 rushing yards and just five touchdowns in the 2025 regular season, but he almost matched that number in the first postseason game of the year. He had a hat trick in the divisional round as he ran all over a bruised-and-battered San Francisco 49ers defense all game long. He may not be much of a big play guy, but he is still very reliable when called upon.
3.) Breece Hall - New York Jets
Breece Hall was all over trade rumors in 2025, but nothing came of it, and now the soon-to-be 25-year-old is available in free agency. Age plays a huge factor here, as there is less wear-and-tear on his body than the typical free agent running back. His explosiveness would work great in Pittsburgh, especially as its young offensive line gels together and builds on a pair of strong seasons.
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Breece Hall runs with the ball during a home game for the New York Jets.
Hall did have his first 1,000-yard rushing season and only four touchdowns, but he had an injury-prone offensive line that regularly struggled, as well as dealing with subpar quarterback play. The New York Jets did not go 3-14 on accident. Hall had very little to work with, and he still had a very productive season. The Steelers would help him reach his true ceiling.
Of course, all of these options come down to cost in the end. The Steelers have no need to break the bank for a running back at this point, but if someone like Hall or Walker have to settle for a lower asking price, it would make sense for the front office to go out and bring in one of these great talents. The offense has not been very explosive in recent years, so adding more explosives to the unit wouldn't hurt.
What do you think about the Steelers signing one of these running backs in free agency? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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