There's no doubt about it: Kenneth Gainwell is in Pittsburgh to prove something.
The Steelers gave Gainwell a one-year, $1.79-million contract, which means there's very minimal risk. The team could also still use a very talented draft class to add to the running back room.
But, Gainwell is ready to take on a bigger role, in hopes to play next to Jaylen Warren as RB2.
"I felt like it was the right team to come to," Gainwell said Thursday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "I know what Coach Mike Tomlin does here. That running back room is a pretty stout room, so I want to bring my talents into that room and give them all I can."
Before Gainwell signed, the only other running back under contract was Cordarrelle Patterson, and he could potentially be cut to shed cap space. Warren will most likely be back after receiving a second-round tender as a restricted free agent.
Gainwell is very similar to Warren, as in both running backs provide versatility for Arthur Smith. In four seasons, he rushed for 1,185 yards and 12 touchdowns in 66 games and caught 102 passes for 721 yards and one touchdown. In addition, Gainwell has averaged 22.7 yards on 36 career kick returns, including a 25.3-yard average in 2024 when he served as Philadelphia's primary return man.
Gainwell is still getting accustomed to the Steelers, but understands a baseline for what's to be expected.
"I haven’t gotten a chance to talk to (Smith) yet, but I’m pretty sure I will soon," Gainwell said. "I know he loves a two-back system. That’s something I’ve been doing the last four years in Philly. I’m well with that, and I’m well with taking on whatever role that comes to. I’ll embrace it."
Gainwell's a tough runner, but he's also a shifty runner that can do some damage in space. The Steelers know that all too well from this past season. He only had seven carries for 20 yards -- the defense also shut down Saquon Barkley that day -- but he had a season-high three catches for 40 yards out of the backfield.
Gainwell and Warren also both share a love for standing tall in pass protection. That's an underrated part of the game that he takes a lot of pride in.
"(Warren) likes it. I love it," Gainwell said. "I can’t wait to get in his ear and see what techniques he has that I can add to my game and maybe some things he can add to his game and make us better. I can’t wait to get the opportunity to talk to him."
The Steelers should still try and draft a running back. But, Gainwell does give the team a high-floor No. 3 option if and when they decide to draft one.
For Gainwell's full press conference ...
RB Kenneth Gainwell addresses the media in his introductory press conference. pic.twitter.com/0xfHPUMye4
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THE ASYLUM
Chris Halicke
3:31 pm - 03.13.2025South SideGainwell embracing new opportunity
There's no doubt about it: Kenneth Gainwell is in Pittsburgh to prove something.
The Steelers gave Gainwell a one-year, $1.79-million contract, which means there's very minimal risk. The team could also still use a very talented draft class to add to the running back room.
But, Gainwell is ready to take on a bigger role, in hopes to play next to Jaylen Warren as RB2.
"I felt like it was the right team to come to," Gainwell said Thursday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "I know what Coach Mike Tomlin does here. That running back room is a pretty stout room, so I want to bring my talents into that room and give them all I can."
Before Gainwell signed, the only other running back under contract was Cordarrelle Patterson, and he could potentially be cut to shed cap space. Warren will most likely be back after receiving a second-round tender as a restricted free agent.
Gainwell is very similar to Warren, as in both running backs provide versatility for Arthur Smith. In four seasons, he rushed for 1,185 yards and 12 touchdowns in 66 games and caught 102 passes for 721 yards and one touchdown. In addition, Gainwell has averaged 22.7 yards on 36 career kick returns, including a 25.3-yard average in 2024 when he served as Philadelphia's primary return man.
Gainwell is still getting accustomed to the Steelers, but understands a baseline for what's to be expected.
"I haven’t gotten a chance to talk to (Smith) yet, but I’m pretty sure I will soon," Gainwell said. "I know he loves a two-back system. That’s something I’ve been doing the last four years in Philly. I’m well with that, and I’m well with taking on whatever role that comes to. I’ll embrace it."
Gainwell's a tough runner, but he's also a shifty runner that can do some damage in space. The Steelers know that all too well from this past season. He only had seven carries for 20 yards -- the defense also shut down Saquon Barkley that day -- but he had a season-high three catches for 40 yards out of the backfield.
Gainwell and Warren also both share a love for standing tall in pass protection. That's an underrated part of the game that he takes a lot of pride in.
"(Warren) likes it. I love it," Gainwell said. "I can’t wait to get in his ear and see what techniques he has that I can add to my game and maybe some things he can add to his game and make us better. I can’t wait to get the opportunity to talk to him."
The Steelers should still try and draft a running back. But, Gainwell does give the team a high-floor No. 3 option if and when they decide to draft one.
For Gainwell's full press conference ...
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