Running back Kenneth Gainwell is set to hit the free agent market in March after a breakout season with the Steelers. And on Saturday, the Dallas Cowboys signed their own soon-to-be-free-agent running back Javonte Williams to a three-year, $24 million deal per Ian Rapoport — an early look at the 2026 running back market.
Williams’ $8 million per-year average is almost certainly more than Gainwell could get in free agency from the Steelers or another team. While Gainwell out-gained Williams 486 to
137 when it came to receiving yards in 2025, the latter rushed for 1,201 yards to Gainwell’s 537. Williams was also more productive when it came to total touchdowns, scoring 13 to Gainwell’s eight.
It’s shaping up to be a fairly strong running back class in free agency, with names such as Breece Hall, Kenneth Walker III, Travis Etienne, and Rico Dowdle, to name a few, all weeks away from their current contracts expiring. Several names could re-sign with their current teams, but even then, it’s unlikely for Gainwell to be among the premier crop at his position in March.
Currently, Spotrac predicts Gainwell’s market value to be just under $3 million yearly. However, considering names such as Najee Harris, Jordan Mason, Devin Singletary, and the Steelers’ own Jaylen Warren were all making well over $5 million last season, chances are Gainwell will be able to demand something in a similar range after recording over 1,000 scrimmage yards. Plus, the salary cap is expected to jump around $25 million entering the new league year.
