Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III emerges as a dynamic free-agent option who could ignite the Pittsburgh Steelers' rushing attack.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ most glaring need beyond quarterback – if Aaron Rodgers doesn’t return for a second season – is wide receiver.
None of the Steelers’ receivers were productive last season except DK Metcalf. He was a bit of a disappointment after being acquired from the Seattle Seahawks in a trade last offseason and signed to a five-year, $150-million contract.
The Steelers could also use an upgrade at running back, even though Kenneth Gainwell was voted the team’s MVP during his first season in Pittsburgh after being a free agent find. In helping the Steelers win their first AFC North title since 2020, Gainwell rushed for 537 yards and caught 73 passes for 486 yards.
However, Gainwell and Jaylen Warren were just the two Pittsburgh running backs to rush for more than 69 yards. Warren finished with 970 yards, but the Steelers were 26th in the NFL in rushing.
So, the Steelers need help in the backfield. They have been tied to Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love in the first round in some mock drafts.
Yet it’s doubtful Pittsburgh would go for a running back in the first round, even though it doesn't pick until No. 21. The last time the Steelers drafted a running back in the first round was Najee Harris in 2021, but they let him walk in free agency once his rookie contract expired.
However, there is a free agent who could help Pittsburgh's rushing game – Kenneth Walker III, who was the MVP when the Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XV two weeks ago.
Walker rushed for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns on 221 carries in the regular season while adding 31 receptions for 282 yards. Most importantly, Walker came up big in the playoffs when fellow running back Zach Charbonnett missed the NFL Championship Game and Super Bowl after undergoing knee surgery.
Walker ran for 313 yards and four touchdowns on 65 carries in three postseason games and caught nine passes for 104 yards. He rushed for a season-high 135 yards in the Super Bowl.
Walker obviously raised his stock and profile in the Super Bowl. However, he has been a productive player throughout his four-year career and would be an upgrade to the Steelers’ running back corps.
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