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Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 15, 2024. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
PALM BEACH, Fla. — Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is excited about the addition of former Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell. Tomlin saw firsthand the damage that Gainwell is capable of. And that’s why the Steelers targeted him in free agency.
Gainwell is a shifty back who excels in space. He displayed that against the Steelers in Week 15 this past season, recording seven carries for 20 yards and three catches for 40 yards in Philadelphia’s 27-13 win.
“Obviously, the acquisition of Kenny Gainwell is something that we’re really excited about,” Tomlin said at the NFL’ owner’s meetings. “That’s a guy that we’ve competed against. Man, it seems like he made a bunch of significant plays in the flat against us a couple of months back that were significant game-altering-like plays. You know, you catch a swing route on third-and-6, you make a couple of people miss, you get a new set of downs, you’re able to keep the drive alive.
“He converted a third down in a similar way inside the red area, created a first-and-goal circumstance. It directly related to points as that game unfolded. You guys know that watch us work routinely how much we value routine things like winning in the flat, whether you’re a ball-carrier, a ball-catcher or a tackler.”
Gainwell, 25, spent the last four seasons with the Eagles, winning a Super Bowl ring this past February. He originally joined the Eagles as a fifth-round pick out of Memphis in 2021.
He played in 66 games for the Eagles over the last four seasons, primarily serving as a change of pace running back and receiving weapon to players like Saquon Barkley, DeAndre Swift and Miles Sanders.
In his career, he has rushed 280 times for 1,185 yard and 12 touchdowns, maintaining a 4.2 yards per carry average. He’s also caught 102 of 138 targets for 721 yards and another score.
This past season, Gainwell played in all 17 games, rushing 75 times for 290 yards and one touchdown and catching 16 of 22 targets for 116 yards. In four games in the playoffs for Philadelphia, he had 13 carries for 42 yards and three receptions for 26 yards.
Gainwell has also returned kickoffs for the Eagles. He had 18 kickoff returns for 456 yards, for a 25.3 yards per return average, far better that of Steelers returning return men Cordarrelle Patterson and Jaylen Warren.
“That’s a skill set that really stood out to us,” Tomlin said about Gainwell’s elusiveness in the open field. “But, he’s got a well-rounded game. He’s a capable and willing special teams player, plays a lot on possession down ball.”
Gainwell is slotted to be the No. 2 running back behind Jaylen Warren. The Steelers could also draft a running back this April.
“I’m very confident in Jaylen Warren,” Tomlin said about Warren being the lead back after Najee Harris signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency.
Gainwell said at his introductory press conference with the Steelers that he felt like Pittsburgh was the best organization to further develop his career. Playing for Tomlin played a part in his decision, as well.
“I felt like it was the right team to come to. I know what Coach Mike Tomlin does here,” Gainwell told the Pittsburgh media. “That running back room is a pretty stout room, so I want to bring my talents into that room and give them all I can.”
Gainwell thinks he’ll be an ideal fit in Arthur Smith’s offense.
“I haven’t gotten a chance to talk to him yet, but I’m pretty sure I will soon. I know he loves a two-back system. That’s something I’ve been doing the last four years in Philly,” Gainwell said. “I’m well with that, and I’m well with taking on whatever role that comes to. I’ll embrace it.”
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Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell takes handoff from quarterback Jalen Hurts in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 15, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
The Steelers are trying to model the Eagles’ philosophy of building through the trenches. That mindset was brought to Pittsburgh by assistant general manager Andy Weidl,who used to be in the Eagles front office under GM Howie Roseman.
Gainwell looks forward to building a rapport with the Steelers’ O-line.
“Offensive line is something I feel is a great part of this thing going on. I’m pretty sure Mike Tomlin wants to go in with a stout front line,” Gainwell said. “That’s what brings more Ws. I love offensive linemen. I love when those guys get dirty and nasty up front. That’s what I love.
Gainwell also believes the Steelers’ scheme fits his skill set.
“It was an opportunity, me having more of an opportunity to get out in space and make a move or run more routes. We love to run the ball here, so to get to run the ball a little bit more, it’s the opportunity,” he said.
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Palm Beach, Fla.
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