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As NFL free agency inches closer, so to it will clarity.
Clarity as to what and who teams will target with the hopes of making their respective teams better for the coming regular season. One player that teams may look into is veteran running back Kenneth Gainwell.
The five-year veteran, who has played his career in Pennsylvania with the Philadelphia Eagles and, most recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers, brings an experienced and reliable No. 2 running back as both a runner and receiver.
Given the current state of the Denver Broncos’ roster, there probably isn’t a fit for Gainwell, but let’s dive in to see what they could get if there was.
Player Profile
Height: 5-9
Weight: 200 pounds
Experience: 5 NFL seasons
Age: 26
2025 stats: 114 carries, 537 yards, five touchdowns; 73 receptions, 486 yards, three touchdowns
Why the Broncos should sign running back Kenneth Gainwell
One thing we know about a Sean Payton offense is dual-threat running backs. The ability to consistently make plays in the running and receiving game is the best way to get plays and the ball.
Gainwell is coming off his best season in the NFL with the Steelers. As noted above, he had 114 carries for 537 yards and five touchdowns as the second running back in Pittsburgh. He also had 73 catches for 486 yards and three touchdowns.
While not eye-popping numbers, they are great stats for a No. 2 back. That’s exactly what you want from a No. 2 back in any offense, let alone Denver. A consistent runner and catcher at running back could fit in nicely for the Broncos.
On top of that, Gainwell stays on the field. In his five-year career, he’s missed only a few games.
So Gainwell is reliable in multiple ways.
The problem is that the Broncos have multiple Gainwells currently on the roster.
Why the Broncos shouldn’t sign running back Kenneth Gainwell
If Denver had a true No. 1 running back, I could see George Paton and Payton really kick the tires on Gainwell.
But they don’t, hence why they more than likely won’t even look into him.
The Broncos must focus on getting that true No. 1 running back figured out, especially if Breece Hall hits the market. It was reported last week that the New York Jets back will have “serious interest” in Denver if he becomes a free agent. I would venture a guess that the feeling would be mutual.
When and if the Broncos make a move at running back, it will be for a top-notch game changer like Hall. With a multitude of Gainwells on the roster, it doesn’t make sense to target another one.
Final thoughts
Gainwell is a reliable and durable secondary running back. For teams with an established No. 1 running back and in need of a No. 2, he’s at the top of the free agent list.
Denver is not one of those teams. Instead, they’ll be on the hunt for a game-changer lead back like Hall.