Steelers add Super Bowl champion to offensive roster
Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency. This left the Steelers with a significant void on the running back depth chart. But according to NFL reporter Jordan Schultz, Pittsburgh is adding a Super Bowl champion in Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell.
Gainwell served as backup to Saquon Barkley last season, which seriously limited his opportunities. Gainwell finished with just 75 attempts and 290 rushing yards. Gainwell's best season was 2023 when he had 84 carries for 364 rushing yards.
The addition of Gainwell does very little to change the Steelers need to replace Harris. Gainwell is a nice player and adds some value in the return game, which might make him a more likely replacement for Cordarrelle Patterson if he's released to save salary cap. Pittsburgh scouted many of the top running backs in the 2025 NFL draft at the NFL scouting combine and we expect the Steelers to add a playmaker via the draft.
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