Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White is almost certain to walk in the free agent period this year, and the dream replacement on passing downs, Pittsburgh Steelers breakout man Kenneth Gainwell, is starting to look unachievable.
Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine, Steelers General Manager Omar Khan told reporters that he spoke with Gainwell's agent, per journalist Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. Khan said that the Steelers have made it clear to both Gainwell and his agent that they want him back in Black and Gold for the 2026 season.
It's unclear if Aaron Rodgers will be back under center for Pittsburgh, but the Steelers veteran quarterback certainly loved working with Gainwell down the stretch of the regular season en route to their playoff qualification. Gainwell was a vital source of first downs on third down and a real playmaking option, both with the ball in his hands and even down the field.
The Steelers want to keep Kenneth Gainwell
In many ways, Gainwell would be the ideal signing for the Buccaneers offense as a third-down running back and pass-catching weapon. White was the Bucs best third-down back, by far, as neither Bucky Irving nor Sean Tucker are elite on passing downs, though Irving is at least competent.
White clearly wants to go for more money and a bigger role in free agency, so it makes sense for him to walk. Gainwell's situation is less clear. The Steelers are already affording him with a great opportunity on passing downs, and if Rodgers stays, a bigger role beckons for their late season breakout star.
So if the Steelers are already making it clear to Gainwell that they want him back in Pittsburgh without knowing Rodgers's status, then they definitely have designs on him playing a big role in the offense during the 2026 season.
The Buccaneers have an even more explosive offense and better quarterback situation on their hands with Baker Mayfield firing passes, but there are also more mouths to feed. Gainwell, at this point, is starting to feel more unachievable for Tampa Bay
So if the Buccaneers want to add a little more juice to the backfield and someone who can be a pass-catching specialist and come in and block plays, it might be worth it for the Bucs to take a Day 3 flier on someone if Gainwell turns out to not be available and decides to stick it out with Pittsburgh for a few more years.