This offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles saw several veterans leave the team in free agency and take their talents elsewhere for the 2025 season.
Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, Darius Slay, and Isaiah Rodgers Sr. were the notable names on the defense that signed elsewhere in free agency, and a couple for big money. However, Philly also saw some players on offense leave this offseason, including veteran running back Kenny Gainwell.
The writing was on the wall for Gainwell after the team drafted Will Shipley last season, who the Eagles hope can have a larger role on offense. Gainwell didn’t go far, as he signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers didn’t have a clear plan at running back at the time, as they didn’t re-sign veteran Najee Harris, leaving Jaylen Warren. Without Harris, Gainwell had a pathway towards playing time in the Steelers’ backfield.
However, the Steelers added a rookie running back (Kaleb Johnson) in the 2025 NFL draft, knocking the former Eagles running back down the depth chart. And if Gainwell didn’t have it hard enough, the Steelers made a move in the backfield on Monday, signifying the pecking order this year.
The #Steelers and RB Jaylen Warren agreed to terms on a 2-year deal that pays him over $7M this year and includes $12M guaranteed.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 1, 2025
With no career starts, Warren gets his deal done by agents @NessMugrabi and @davidcanter of @aurasportsgroup. pic.twitter.com/gimQoX3P5R
Former Eagles RB Kenny Gainwell’s Deck Just Got Even More Stacked Against Him
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Steelers agreed to a two-year extension that will pay him over $7 million this season and includes $12 million guaranteed.
With Warren locked in for the foreseeable future and Johnson on his rookie deal, Gainwell is on thin ice to start the season. The veteran running back has played the RB2 role for most of his career with the Eagles, as he’s a good change-of-pace back and is solid in pass protection.
Now, as the third running back in Pittsburgh, it's interesting to see what Arthur Smith has in store for the ex-Eagle. Johnson is more of a downhill runner with not a lot of speed, while Warren has proven to be good as a pass catcher out of the backfield.
Therefore, it leaves Gainwell trying to figure out what his role will be in the short term and the rest of the season. The Steelers’ depth chart has Gainwell listed as the second-string RB and the primary kick returner.
If Gainwell wants to earn his keep in Pittsburgh, he’ll have to make plays on special teams and do whatever is asked of him as a running back. With Aaron Rodgers now the starting QB in the Steel City, there will be a lot of eyes on Pittsburgh this season.
For the ex-Eagle, every game and snap is going to be important, as he showcases his talents to the other 31 teams across the league.