The Seattle Seahawks may be eyeing Kenneth Gainwell as a potential addition to their roster. This comes amid concerns about potentially losing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker in NFL free agency.
ESPN’s Ben Solak has suggested Gainwell as a possible fit for the Seahawks. The Seahawks may need to replace Walker with another free agent running back.
Gainwell’s Standout 2025 Season
Gainwell is coming off a strong season. Solak noted that Gainwell became quarterback Aaron Rodgers‘ favourite receiver. He had 486 receiving yards which ranked fifth among running backs.
Gainwell also posted a 47% success rate on rushing attempts. This ranked sixth among qualifying backs. NFL Next Gen Stats credited him with 0.58 rushing yards over expected per carry, putting him in the same range as Breece Hall and Jonathan Taylor.
Solak suggested Gainwell would be a great complement to Jordan Mason or Zach Charbonnet. 2025 was Gainwell’s best NFL season so far.
Gainwell led the Pittsburgh Steelers with 73 receptions as a pass-catcher. He also averaged a career-best 4.7 yards per carry.
In total, Gainwell had 537 rushing yards and 486 receiving yards. His 1,023 yards from scrimmage nearly doubled his production from his first four seasons.
Fit with the Seahawks
The Seahawks may be considering substituting one running back named Kenneth for another. This could be an option if they lose their Super Bowl MVP.
Zach Charbonnet sustained a torn ACL during the postseason. This means the Seahawks can’t rely solely on internal options to replace Walker. Finding a starting-calibre running back also seems unlikely for the Seahawks.
Gainwell could be the top guy until Charbonnet returns. Gainwell experienced success in Pittsburgh while sharing the backfield with Jaylen Warren during 2025.
- In his first four seasons with the Eagles, Gainwell averaged 296 rushing yards per season and 4.2 yards per carry.
- With a rushing average 0.5 yards greater in 2025, Gainwell eclipsed the 400-yard mark in rushing for the first time.
- His Steelers teammates voted him team MVP.
Gainwell set a new high with 187 touches during 2025. Gainwell might not be the best fit for Seattle if Charbonnet is going to miss a majority of 2026 because he’s never carried a backfield for an entire season.
Gainwell would be a great addition to Seattle’s offense, assuming Charbonnet returns this fall.
Potential Contract Details
Price is another factor that could make Gainwell a good fit for the Seahawks.
The Seahawks are unlikely to spend big on another running back if they don’t re-sign Walker. Gainwell is expected to be relatively inexpensive.
Spotrac projected the veteran running back to have a $5.9 million market value on a 2-year deal. Daniel Popper of The Athletic projected Gainwell’s worth at $10 million on a 2-year contract.
Pittsburgh brought in Gainwell on a one-year deal.