Gainwell is gone!

[Steelerfan81]

To the NFC

https://www.steelernation.com/2026/03/09/steelers-now-kenneth-gainwell-nfc-south

 

[topseed]

Incredible to me that the Steelers did not think Gainwell was worth a 2-year, $14 million deal. On the bright side, maybe this will be at least a small factor in influencing Rodgers not to return to Pittsburgh. Where would he have been statistically last year without Gainwell's safety blanket?

 

[steelhurt]

I liked having Kenny Gainwell here but they obviously have other plans.
Most likely they’ll draft a RB with one of the thirds.

 

[Confluence]

Kaleb Johnson, next man up

 

[Coryea]

Incredible to me that the Steelers did not think Gainwell was worth a 2-year, $14 million deal. On the bright side, maybe this will be at least a small factor in influencing Rodgers not to return to Pittsburgh. Where would he have been statistically last year without Gainwell's safety blanket?

He was probably our best offensive player last year, thought an offensive guy like McCarthy would like to have a player like that, but agreed hopefully that helps keep Rodgers away.

 

[slashsteel]

Kaleb Johnson, next man up

I think they will add a free agent RB.

 

[Confluence]

Worked well last year

 

[Crossdogblitz]

I think they will add a free agent RB.

Rico Dowdle would be a reunion w/ MM.

 

[slashsteel]

Rico Dowdle would be a reunion w/ MM.

Who I have been hoping for..

 

[Chadman]

Too similar to Warren. Add a powerback (or use Kaleb Johnson)

 

[nooneuno]

Apparently we just signed Dowdle

 

[slashsteel]

Apparently we just signed Dowdle

Yep

2025 Stat Comparison​

Metric	Rico Dowdle (Panthers)	Kenneth Gainwell (Steelers)
Rushing Yards	1,076	537
Carries	236	114
Yards Per Carry	4.6	4.7
Rushing TDs	6	5
Receptions	39	73
Receiving Yards	297	486
Total Scrimmage Yds	1,373	1,023
Total Touchdowns	7	8

​

 

[Fiji Mariner]

Too similar to Warren. Add a powerback (or use Kaleb Johnson)

Definitely similarities is size, age, speed and even how they got started in their respective careers.

Rico is more burst/explosion in game imo than Warren and Warren better at cuts/cut backs if comparing what I’ve seen of them in running styles.

 

[Fiji Mariner]

Will they add a back with great hands/speed to round out the room or does Warren become the “hands” back?

Watched Rico drop some really easy ones last year.

 

[insaniti]

Will they add a back with great hands/speed to round out the room or does Warren become the “hands” back?

Watched Rico drop some really easy ones last year.

You could put Warren back to the spot that made him a fan favorite, and Rico be the bellcow...

 

[Steelmann]

Apparently we just signed Dowdle

Anyone see the $$$$$$ involved?

 

[SteveA]

We spent a. 3rd on Kaleb last year. Needs to get reps too.,,7 million a year for the 2nd rb is steep in this rb climate for sure

 

[Fiji Mariner]

Anyone see the $$$$$$ involved?

2 year 12.25

 

[bigben]

Sucks to see Kenny go, was elite pass catcher. Dowdle probably a better pure runner than kenny. If Dowdle can stay healthy which has been his biggest issue. I'd say thats good to great value @ 6/ year. I bet they draft a RB if a good one falls.