Who Should I Start? Kenneth Gainwell or Khalil Herbert

Tuesday, February 24, 8:07 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan said the team has been in communication with impending free-agent running back Kenneth Gainwell and "expressed a desire to have him return," according to Alan Saunders of PGH Steelers Now. Gainwell is set to hit the free-agent market next month after winning team MVP honors in 2025 in his first season with the organization. The 26-year-old was heavily involved in Pittsburgh's offense last year, setting career-highs in carries (114), rushing yards (537), rushing touchdowns, catches (73), targets (85), receiving yards (486), and receiving touchdowns (three) in 17 regular-season games. He will never be a workhorse back in the NFL, but Gainwell proved in 2025 that he has the skills to be effective in a dual-threat role. At the very least, he should be a priority target in PPR leagues as at least an RB3/flex if he returns to the Steel City for a second season.

Thursday, October 2, 12:22 PM

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the New York Jets have signed running back Khalil Herbert to an undisclosed contract. Per Rapoport, the team placed running back Braelon Allen (knee) on injured reserve in a corresponding move. The Virginia Tech product was recently signed to Seattle's practice squad, but he'll now add depth in New York's backfield. With Allen out, and backfield mate Kene Nwangwu's (hamstring) status up in the air, it's possible that Herbert will see work right away behind starter Breece Hall and backup Isaiah Davis. The 27-year-old doesn't figure to be slated for a fantasy-relevant role, but he's at least on the deep handcuff radar in case the assets in front of him were to miss any time. The Jets will take on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5.