Raiders predicted to sign Steelers $5.9 million free agent to help Ashton Jeanty

While the Las Vegas Raiders are set atop their running back depth chart for 2026, the team still needs to make additions at the position.

That's because Las Vegas is thin on depth behind Ashton Jeanty. Raheem Mostert and Zamir White are both set to be free agents and that leaves Dylan Laube and Chris Collier (futures deal) as the only other running backs under contract.

In an article predicting landing spots for some of the top free-agent running backs, Bleacher Report's Moe Moton connected Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell to the Raiders.

"Based on what new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak has done with Kenneth Walker III, Alvin Kamara and Dalvin Cook at his previous stops, he figures to get the most out of Ashton Jeanty," Moton said.

"Nonetheless, Las Vegas needs a well-rounded running back who can take some of the load off Jeanty or give him a breather during run-heavy game plans. Gainwell could do that and also be a good example for the young running back," he added.

Gainwell is coming off a career year with the Steelers that saw him post personal bests in rushing yards (537), receiving yards (486) and total touchdowns (eight).

Making those numbers more impressive is the fact that he shared a backfield with Jaylen Warren. The veteran running back was one of the Steelers' best offensive players and even earned the team's MVP honor after the season.

While there is probably mutual interest in staying together, there's a few reasons why the Steelers could let him go.

For starters, Gainwell is going to be more expensive after his career year and won't be quite the bargain he was in 2025. Furthermore, Pittsburgh might want to clear a path to more snaps for 2025 third-round pick Kaleb Johnson, and Warren is still under contract.

Gainwell would be an ideal fit in Las Vegas for several reasons.

He's an asset on all three downs as a runner, pass-catcher and blocker, and there wouldn't be a huge drop-off when Gainwell is called upon to spell Jeanty.

Furthermore, Gainwell would offer a fantastic mentor for the second-year back. We also know head coach Klint Kubiak likes utilizing multiple backs, as we saw with the Seattle Seahawks and Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet last season.

Spotrac projects a two-year, $5.9 million deal for Gainwell in free agency. While a lot of teams would balk at paying any semblance of significant money to an RB2, it's a luxury the Raiders can afford with $91.5 million in cap space in 2026.

Gainwell will likely be looking for a team that gives him a chance at a bigger role, but if that opportunity doesn't present itself and the Raiders offer Gainwell the contract he's looking for, we could see the veteran land in Vegas.

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