Steelers Insider Reveals 'Sneaky Name' That Continues To Spark Interest Amongst Coaches

The Pittsburgh Steelers have undergone a number of significant roster changes this offseason, reshaping the team on both sides of the ball. These big moves have drawn widespread attention across the league, dominating headlines and sparking conversations. With so many new faces arriving in Pittsburgh, speculation about how these additions will impact the team’s performance has been nonstop. 

One of the more less talked about acquisitions the Steelers made earlier this offseason is running back Kenneth Gainwell. However, that doesn’t mean he’s being overlooked internally. On a recent episode of his podcast Kaboly + Mack, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly talked about various topics from the team’s minicamp. During the episode, Kaboly shared that, despite the lack of public attention, the Steelers are reportedly very excited about what Gainwell brings to the table. According to what he’s heard from inside the organization, there’s a high level of enthusiasm surrounding Gainwell’s potential role in the offense, suggesting he could play a bigger part in the team’s plans than many initially expected.

"They are thrilled to have this guy. They saw something in this guy that they can help this offense... that's a sneaky name I keep hearing," Kaboly shared.

Gainwell signed a one-year contract with the Steelers as a free agent after spending the past four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. His signing didn’t generate much buzz at the time, as many didn’t expect him to make a significant impact. However, recent comments from Kaboly have shifted that narrative, shedding new light on Gainwell’s potential role and the value he could bring to the team this season.

The Steelers parted ways with their leading rusher of the past four seasons, Najee Harris earlier this offseason. Although Harris was originally drafted by Pittsburgh and had consistent 1,000 rushing yard seasons, the team decided not to pick up his fifth-year option, which ultimately led him to sign with the Los Angeles Chargers. His departure left a noticeable void in the backfield, with the starting running back role still very much open as the team evaluates its current options.

The Steelers still have Jaylen Warren returning, and he's in the mix for the starting running back job. Given his experience and the impact he's made so far, Warren appears poised to start the season with the most carries. Signed as an undrafted free agent, Warren has steadily earned his role through hard work and consistent performance.

However, the Steelers also made a big move by selecting Kaleb Johnson in the third round of this year’s NFL Draft, using one of their coveted picks to grab him. What makes this selection even more significant is the fact that Pittsburgh did not have a second-round pick this year, having traded it away as part of the deal to acquire star wide receiver DK Metcalf. That absence placed even more weight and importance on their remaining early-round picks, meaning every selection had to count. 

Steelers fans are enthusiastic about Johnson’s potential, and several analysts and team insiders have noted that he has a legitimate chance to climb the depth chart and eventually compete for the starting running back role. While he may not begin the season as the lead back, it's widely expected that Johnson will see a solid share of carries and have plenty of opportunities to showcase his talent early on.

Steelers Have A New And Improved Backfield

Recently, Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith was asked to name the current starting running back, but he didn’t provide a definitive answer. Instead, he emphasized that all three backs are valuable weapons for the offense. This response highilights just how open the competition remains, giving each player the chance to take advantage of every rep and prove they deserve a larger role heading into the season. As training camp approaches, the proper division of labor out of the backfield will surely unfold. 

Are you excited to see Gainwell this season for the Steelers?