Watch This Free Agent RB For the Vikings
Free agency is right around the corner, and the Minnesota Vikings have some work to do this year, especially after parting ways with several veterans and opening roster holes that way. One of those is at running back, as Aaron Jones is in the process of being released, leaving Jordan Mason and Zavier Scott.
The Vikings should be in the market for another RB to round out the rotation. Free agent Kenneth Gainwell would fit the job description as a committee back next to Jordan Mason.
Sure, those who want the franchise to make a splash and hire someone like Kenneth Walker or Travis Etienne will be disappointed, but stylistically, Gainwell fits the profile of the runner the Vikings need.
Gainwell spent last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, playing a role in their one-two punch with Jaylen Warren. When the Vikings faced the Steelers in Dublin, Warren was not available, leaving Gainwell as the top back and he definitely introduced himself to Minnesota with a career high 99 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
With Mason, the Vikings have a bigger back, a true downhill bruiser. What he lacks is the skills as a receiver and pass protector. That’s where Gainwell provides value. Not too dissimilar to the departing Jones, Gainwell has a strong pair of hands, having already secured 175 receptions for 1,207 yards in his five-year career. Just last season, Gainwell caught 73 passes for 486 yards and three touchdowns. That yardage output only trailed Christian McCaffrey, Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, and De’Von Achane.
When ranking him as the 67th-best free agent, PFF recently wrote about the back, “Gainwell stepped into a larger-than-expected role for Pittsburgh in 2025, producing a career-high 1,023 scrimmage yards while earning a 72.6 overall PFF grade, his best mark since 2021. The former Eagle averaged 3.13 yards after contact as a runner and was efficient as a receiver, averaging 1.44 yards per route run with just three drops. At 26, Gainwell could be positioned to pursue a more consistent role after his breakout season.”
They predict him to sign a two-year deal with an annual salary of $4 million.
Gainwell is not a star by any means, but he is a solid back in a two-headed backfield. His skillset is a nice fit next to Mason.
The runner was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 5th round of the 2021 Draft. The University of Memphis product registered 1,906 scrimmage yards in four seasons as a backup runner in Philly. He then signed a one-year deal with the Steelers a year ago and made the most out of his opportunity with 1,023 scrimmage yards and 8 touchdowns.
SI’s Noah Strackbein noted last week, “Running back Kenneth Gainwell only spent a year in Pittsburgh, but quickly became a force within their offense. The 2025 Team MVP, Gainwell’s impact went beyond the backfield as he turned into their second-leading receiver and the perfect 1B alongside Jaylen Warren.”
He noted that the Steelers can’t afford to lose him, but probably will.
Gainwell could make sense as a realistic target if Minnesota opts for a cost-effective committee approach. They could then complete the RB room in the Draft by adding a back in the mid-rounds.
Minnesota doesn’t necessarily need a marquee signing to stabilize the backfield. A versatile, cost-efficient option that complements Jordan Mason’s physical style may be the smarter route. If the Vikings prioritize balance and flexibility over splash, Gainwell’s skill set makes him a name worth monitoring as free agency unfolds.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.