Report: Eagles RB Kenneth Gainwell signs with Steelers on 1-year deal

The Philadelphia Eagles are set to say goodbye to running back Kenny Gainwell, as he is reportedly agreeing to a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, per Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports.

Eagles part ways with Gainwell

Sources: The #Steelers are finalizing a 1-year with former #Eagles RB Kenneth Gainwell.

Gainwell, who had 1,906 total yards and 13 TDs in four years with Philly, stays in the state of Pennsylvania. pic.twitter.com/PbyHwb9Ctk

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 12, 2025

While Gainwell was never the lead back in Philadelphia, he carved out a valuable niche over his four seasons with the team. His departure signals a transition for the Eagles’ backfield, one that could shape the offense heading into 2025.

Since being drafted in 2021, Gainwell has operated as a complementary piece in the Eagles’ backfield, playing behind the likes of Miles Sanders, D’Andre Swift, and most recently, Saquon Barkley. He also took on the role of the team’s two-minute offense back, proving to be a steady, reliable option when called upon.

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In 2024, Gainwell saw limited action due to Barkley’s durability, finishing the season with 75 carries for 290 yards and a touchdown. His 3.9 yards per carry average was slightly deflated by a rough Week 18 performance against the Giants, but when excluding that game, he posted a respectable 4.3 yards per carry.

Beyond his contributions on offense, Gainwell was also a factor in the return game, handling 18 kick returns for 456 yards (25.3 yards per return). His versatility and reliability made him a favorite of head coach Nick Sirianni, but despite those positives, his lack of explosive playmaking remained a limitation. Over his four-year tenure, Gainwell produced just five career runs of 20+ yards and two receptions of the same distance.

What This Means for the Eagles’ Backfield

With Gainwell heading to Pittsburgh, the Eagles appear poised to give 2024 rookie Will Shipley a larger role in the offense. Unlike Gainwell, Shipley has shown flashes of big-play potential in college, with the ability to contribute both as a runner and receiver. His development will be key as Philadelphia looks to build a more dynamic rushing attack alongside Barkley in 2025.

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While Gainwell’s departure may not seem like a major loss on the surface, his reliability and steady presence will need to be replaced. The Eagles’ front office may look to add another depth piece in free agency or the draft, but the door is now open for Shipley to prove he can handle an expanded workload.

Financial details of Gainwell’s deal with the Steelers have yet to be disclosed, but it is unlikely to impact the Eagles in terms of compensatory picks. Still, his move marks the end of an era for a player who quietly contributed to Philadelphia’s recent success. As the Eagles turn the page, all eyes will be on Shipley and the evolving backfield rotation in 2025.