Steelers predicted to replace Kenneth Gainwell with $13 million running back

The Pittsburgh Steelers got one of the better bargains in free agency last offseason.

That bargain was running back and team MVP Kenneth Gainwell, who managed to post his best season as a pro while being one of the few consistent weapons in Pittsburgh's offense — and he did all that for just $1.79 million.

Gainwell is in line for a raise as he hits free agency. There is a very good chance the Steelers will want to retain him, but it's also possible Gainwell looks for and finds an opportunity elsewhere that gives him a chance to start.

If that happens, or if the Steelers simply want to go in a different direction for whatever reason, one back they could target is Rico Dowdle, who Spotrac is projecting will receive a two-year, $13 million contract in free agency.

Fantasy Pros' Frank Ammirante predicts the Steelers will do just that and sign Dowdle in free agency this offseason. Here's Ammirante's thoughts:

For one, Gainwell is an unrestricted free agent, so there’s a chance he signs elsewhere. Second, new head coach Mike McCarthy worked with Dowdle while with the Cowboys. As more of a big-play threat than Gainwell, Dowdle could be a nice complement to Warren.

Like Gainwell, Dowdle proved to be a steal in free agency after posting a career-best season with the Carolina Panthers.

The 27-year-old fell short of his career-high in rushing yards by just three, but he did post personal bests in scrimmage (1,373), receiving yards (297) and rushing (six) and total touchdowns (seven).

Dowdle's campaign included a heater from Weeks 5-9, when he posted 130 rushing yards or more three times, including a pair of performances with over 200 scrimmage yards, one of which included over 200 yards on the ground.

The problem for Dowdle is that he didn't do much after that, which might have hurt his hopes of landing a lead-back role in free agency in 2026.

Part of the problem was the Panthers reduced his role late in the season, which left Dowdle disgruntled and the veteran said that will impact his decision in free agency, so he's far from guaranteed to return.

As Ammirante points out, Dowdle's connection with new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy is certainly notable, especially when you consider that Dowdle had his most productive rushing season in McCarthy's offense.

And Dowdle fits what the Steelers need, which is a complement to starter Jaylen Warren, who is likely to remain in his lead role.

Dowdle will obviously want a bigger role than that, but if no opportunity like that presents itself, signing with the Steelers is the next best thing, as their backfield leaves enough room for two backs to thrive.

We still believe the Steelers will try to hang on to Gainwell, but if that falls through, Dowdle becomes a realistic option for Pittsburgh.

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