The Pittsburgh Steelers could really use some additional playmakers for Mike McCarthy’s first offense in 2026. But it would help the unit if the Steelers re-signed a couple of their own unrestricted free agent offensive players as well.
That’s what former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger argued on the latest episode of his podcast Tuesday. Roethlisberger named three free agents the Steelers need to re-sign.
One of them was veteran running back Kenneth Gainwell.
“You’ve got Warren, and I would do everything I could to bring Gainwell back, short of like, breaking the bank,” Roethlisberger said on the Footbahlin podcast, via Steelers Depot’s Jake Brockhoff. “But I think he’s a great weapon.”
Gainwell was certainly great for the Steelers in 2025. The 26-year-old posted career bests in rushing and receiving while posting a career-high eight touchdowns.
In fact, Gainwell led the team with 73 receptions and was second with 486 receiving yards. For his efforts, his Pittsburgh teammates voted him team MVP for the 2025 season.
Why the Steelers Should Bring Back Kenneth Gainwell
Gainwell among the Steelers leaders in receiving both highlights how important he was to the team’s offense in 2025 and how badly the organization needs more playmakers.
It’s nearly unheard of for a running back to lead an NFL offense in catches. It wasn’t particularly close either. Gainwell had 14 more catches than the next Steelers pass-catcher, D.K. Metcalf. While Metcalf missed the last two games because of a suspension, Gainwell still averaged more catches per game.
The running back also had 33 more receptions than the Steelers playmaker ranked third for the team in the category.
No Steelers weapon had more touchdowns than Gainwell either. Jaylen Warren finished tied with his fellow running back with eight. Metcalf had seven.
Of Gainwell’s eight scores, three of them were through the air.
Bringing back Gainwell could mean 2025 third-round pick Kaleb Johnson again not having many opportunities next season. That would be disappointing.
But it’s still hard to disagree with Roethlisberger that McCarthy and the Steelers offense would greatly benefit from a Gainwell return.
Along with the running back, Roethlisberger named guard Isaac Seumalo and wide receiver Calvin Austin III the pending free agents the Steelers should try to re-sign.
Will Aaron Rodgers Return to Run Mike McCarthy’s Offense?
Of course, the question on everyone’s mind entering February is who will be behind center in McCarthy’s offense during 2026.
McCarthy has already said a lot of positive things about 2025 sixth-rounder Will Howard. But the veteran head coach also wasn’t shy about his desire for Aaron Rodgers to return one more season.
“Definitely,” McCarthy said to a question about whether he wants Rodgers back. “I don’t see why you wouldn’t.”
McCarthy added that he’s spoken to Rodgers but that he wants the quarterback to take time to decompress. The head coach then emphasized how much he thought the 42-year-old quarterback was “a great asset for the team” in 2025.
Rodgers led the Steelers to a 10-6 record in 16 starts. He posted 3,322 passing yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
If Rodgers returns, then it makes even more sense for the Steelers to retain Gainwell. The running back posted career highs in large part because he became a favorite target for Rodgers in the passing game.
Ben Roethlisberger Urges Steelers to Bring Back ‘Great Weapon’ for Mike McCarthy’s Offense