Steelers’ New 1,000+ Yard RB Viewed as Top Candidate to Replace Najee Harris

The Pittsburgh Steelers quietly addressed a major need in their backfield this offseason by signing former Philadelphia Eagles running back, fresh off a Super Bowl LIX victory.

With Najee Harris’s departure to the Chargers, Pittsburgh lacked proven depth behind Jaylen Warren and rookie Kaleb Johnson. Gainwell’s addition brings both pedigree and versatility.

A one-year deal was confirmed via NFL transactions on March 12, with Kenneth Gainwell stepping into a Steelers roster that prizes dual-threat backs capable of impacting both the run game and passing attack. At 26, Gainwell arrives in Pittsburgh after compiling solid numbers over four seasons in Philadelphia: 1,906 yards and 13 total touchdowns—achieved as a rotational player behind Saquon Barkley.

What sets Kenneth Gainwell apart is his receiver-style versatility. At Memphis, and later with the Eagles, he excelled as a pass-catching back and special teams option. In 2024 alone, he caught 16 passes for 116 yards and averaged 7.1 yards per reception—evidence of his ability to stretch defenses into open space. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith praised his unique skill set, noting that Gainwell “runs sometimes receiver-like routes” and adds sudden burst as both a runner.

Pittsburgh’s RB room now mirrors a classic Steelers blueprint: a hard-running starter in Warren, complemented by a shiftier second option and situational backups. Gainwell’s experience in high-pressure games—especially in the postseason—brings a calm, clutch presence that the current backfield lacked.

Beyond sheer production, Gainwell represents a blue-collar mentality. He never fumbled in 2024 for Philadelphia—a trend coach Mike Tomlin holds in high regard. His one-year, prove-it deal suggests confidence in earning reps, not entitlement—fitting the Steelers’ culture of accountability.

Fantasy football managers also have reason to take note. Should Warren miss time or the offense lean on third-down sets, Gainwell could emerge as a valuable PPR asset.

While the 2025 NFL Draft remains an avenue for further RB reinforcement—Pittsburgh is linked to early-round talents like TreVeyon Henderson and Omarion Hampton - the Gainwell signing already adds depth and renewed excitement.

With a Super Bowl-contender mindset in place, the Steelers rotation now carries championship-winning experience. As camp approaches, fans will be watching how Gainwell blends into the offense—and whether he can turn his Super Bowl résumé into a meaningful role in Pittsburgh's 2025 run.