Steelers Scheme, Mike Tomlin Attracted RB Kenneth Gainwell to Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH — Fresh off a Super Bowl title with the Philadelphia Eagles, running back Kenneth Gainwell inked a one-year deal worth $1.79 million with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday.
He felt like the Steelers were the best organization to further develop his career. Playing for Mike 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, 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.
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.”
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 is a shifty back who excels in space. He displayed that againstthe Steelers in Week 15 this past season, recording seven carries for 20 yards and three catches for 40 yards.
Gainwell 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 Pittsburgh.