The moment that the Philadelphia Eagles let running back Kenneth Gainwell walk in free agency to the Pittsburgh Steelers, fans knew he would succeed, but he is exceeding expectations in 2025.
Gainwell put his skills on full display in primetime as the Steelers closed out Week 15 with a matchup against the Miami Dolphins, which they won 28-15. The former Eagle had a great game with 13 carries for 80 yards and seven receptions for 46 yards in the win.
After the game, Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers praised Gainwell for his play and couldn't believe Pittsburgh is only paying him $1.79 million for the season on a one-year deal.
“I love playing with him. He’s as smart as they come. I still can not believe what we got him for. I told him a long time ago my goal was to get him paid.”
Eagles might have a regret or two for letting Gainwell walk
It's been a career season for Gainwell, as he has become a true offensive weapon in both the running and passing games. He has rushed for 451 yards and four touchdowns with 57 receptions for 332 yards and two more scores on the season.
Philly decided to replace Gainwell in the offseason, with A.J. Dillon as the number three running back with Saquon Barkley and Will Shipley there. That signing turned out to be a massive bust after Dillon put it on the ground twice against the New York Giants in the first matchup and hasn't played since getting replaced by Tank Bigsby.
Keep in mind that the Eagles are paying Dillon $1.33 million to be inactive for the last two months. Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh, Gainwell has found his place in the Steelers' offense as an elusive, versatile weapon.
Some Eagles fans might overlook this, but this was another whiff by general manager Howie Roseman: not re-signing Gainwell. They could have just paid him $400,000 more and he would have been way more productive than any other backup on the Eagles right now. Now, maybe offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo misusages Gainwell in this offense, but everyone knows quarterback Jalen Hurts would be throwing him the ball more often and getting positive yards.
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Well, nothing can be done now, as Eagles fans can be happy that Gainwell is most likely playing his way into big money, but some might be playing the "what if" game if Gainwell had stayed for just one more season.