Steelers can suddenly find their Kenny Gainwell replacement with another needle-moving trade following major free agent signing
The Steelers can target a proven veteran after losing Kenny Gainwell in free agency.
As many feared ever since the end of the season, the Pittsburgh Steelers lost their team MVP Kenneth Gainwell at the start of free agency. Amid the big time moves like trading for Michael Pittman and agreeing to terms with Jamel Dean, the Steelers have incurred some losses.
With Gainwell headed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Steelers have a massive hole in that running back room. We have floated Bucs RB Sean Tucker as a potential option, which would be an ironic swap. However, a new name has appeared on the trade block, as the New Orleans Saints signed Travis Etienne Jr., opening the door for them to say goodbye to a franchise staple.
Steelers should be interested in trading for New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara
The Saints and Alvin Kamara have been together since 2017, when New Orleans selected him in the third round after his time with the Tennessee Volunteers. He has always been a dual threat out of the backfield, but in recent years, the production hasn’t been quite as high.
Heading into his age 31 season, Kamara only played in 11 games last year, but in a healthier 2024 campaign, he totaled just shy of 1,500 yards from scrimmage and eight total touchdowns. No one should expect the Kamara from 2017 through 2021, but the Steelers don’t need him to be that; they just need a Kenny G replacement. The best part is, he shouldn’t cost that much either.
What would the Steelers have to give up for Alvin Kamara?
Given that the Steelers have 12 total draft picks inlcuding six in the first dour rounds after Monday’s news, parting ways with one of their two sixth round picks feels appropriate to me. The Steelers would have to ask New Orleans to eat some of Kamara’s $10 million cap hit for 2026, but he’s worth the late round capital in my opinion.
Gainwell was the second leading WR on the Steelers’ offense in 2025. With Michael Pittman now in the fold, that should be expected to change from a running back standpoint, but the west coast offense that Mike McCarthy will employ loves backs who can catch, and Kamara offers that in spades.
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