Kenneth Gainwell is set to join the Pittsburgh Steelers in a reshaped backfield without Najee Harris and no defined answer at quarterback.
Gainwell agreed to a one-year deal, according to multiple reports Wednesday, and gives the Steelers some insurance behind restricted free agent Jaylen Warren. Warren was given a second-round tender offer by the Steelers this week and is projected to be Pittsburgh’s starter in the absence of Harris. Harris, a 2021 first-round pick, agreed to a one-year deal with the Chargers in free agency.
Gainwell, who turns 26 on Friday, was a fifth-round pick in 2021 and averaged 4.2 yards per carry in four seasons with the Eagles. He’s capable of being a third-down back and averaged 7.1 yards per catch with 102 receptions for 721 yards. He had a total of 1,906 yards and 13 touchdowns with Philadelphia.
Warren, 26, averaged 4.8 yards per carry with 127 receptions in his first three seasons. He was expected to start the 2024 season in a co-No. 1 role with Harris until a hamstring injury slowed him down.
–Defensive tackle Greg Gaines re-signed with the Buccaneers.
Gaines reportedly will receive $3.5 million for the 2025 season, his third with the team. A backup nose tackle, he played in 15 games (three starts) in 2024 and had 17 tackles with one sack.
Gaines, 28, is entering his seventh season after four years with the Los Angeles Rams. He has 163 tackles and 12.5 sacks in 91 career games (30 starts).
