Dynasty Free Agent Running Back Signing Impact: Kenneth Gainwell and Raheem Mostert

While much of the free agency focus has been on big names like Davante Adams, Sam Darnold, Aaron Rodgers, Justin Fields, Najee Harris, Cooper Kupp, and others, there were two running back signings this week that could have a big impact in dynasty leagues next season. Kenneth Gainwell signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Raheem Mostert has latched on with the Las Vegas Raiders for one year as well. While neither of these running backs project to be the long-term answers for their team, it’s worth diving into the depth charts of both teams and re-evaluating some player values because one or both of these moves could be significant in dynasty leagues.  Let’s take a look at the new landscape from Nevada to Pennsylvania.

Raheem Mostert, RB LV

Mostert has always been productive in his career, rushing for 3,791 yards on five yards per carry over his time with the Dolphins, Browns, Bears, and 49ers. He’s also just one year removed from his magical 2023 season where he ran for a career-high 1,012 yards and a whopping 18 touchdowns to lead the league. When you consider he’s also had another 111 career catches for 899 yards and eight more touchdowns, production has never been an issue. The problem with Mostert has been obvious – he’s played in just 93 of a possible 153 games over his career. Now 32, those durability questions are going to be apparent. On the plus side, he hasn’t missed much time over the past three seasons, playing in 44 of a possible 50 games for Miami.

This signing has some real intrigue. Zamir White was supposed to be the answer for the Raiders last season but he failed miserably in his quest to become the starter and finished with just 183 rushing yards in eight games played. Even worse, his yards per carry average was less than three and that’s just not going to get it done. After he posted 451 yards on 4.3 yards per carry in 2023, this was shocking to say the least. In fact, he had fewer rushing yards than both Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah, tying Sincere McCormick for third on the team.

With White clearly not the answer and Mattison signing in Miami, Mostert could have an easy path to significant carries for Las Vegas. While there is real risk the Raiders take a running back in the NFL Draft to start, there’s no certainty to that. While dynasty managers shouldn’t start sending out trade offers for Mostert as it’s possible (if not likely) they add to the group, he also all of a sudden became a player whose short-term value just increased a ton very quickly.

Zamir White, RB LV

As we mentioned, White was just plain awful last season and could have been the single biggest disappointment in dynasty leagues last season, especially when you consider other running backs had success behind the same offensive line. White is a handcuff at the moment and if the Raiders add much more in terms of talent this off-season, he’s going to belong on waiver wires. In fact, he likely already does.

Sincere McCormick, RB LV

When you get to the end of the fantasy season, things get silly. Enter McCormick, who had 183 rushing yards on just under five yards per carry in just five games. While he looks a little like a flash in the pan, he was much better than White last year and could carve out a decent role. He should be kept on dynasty rosters for the moment as we wait and see if the Raiders add someone like Ashton Jeanty or Omarion Hampton and blow the whole thing up. If they don’t he could honestly be the primary backup and change-of-pace backup for Mostert.

Kenneth Gainwell, RB PIT

With Najee Harris now in Los Angeles, Gainwell moved quickly to sign with the Steelers. Much like Mostert right now, this is interesting. He could very well pair with Jaylen Warren in Pittsburgh and create a new tandem of runners. He’s never been “the guy” in his career but he’s always had between 50 and 85 carries per season and has consistently been effective. He’s amazingly just 25 years old and seemingly has a lot of tread left on his tires. Again, there’s nothing set in stone here but Gainwell’s value is in serious flux at the moment as well. If the Steelers are content with Gainwell and Warren in the backfield, he’s destined to have a career year and he belongs squarely on dynasty rosters. While more a player to trade away than trade for at the moment (there’s just an obvious risk the Steelers aren’t done building here), this needs to be monitored.

Jaylen Warren, RB PIT

Warren may be more “Robin” than “Batman,” but that doesn’t mean he can’t play. Over his three years in Pittsburgh, he’s posted 1,674 rushing yards, 127 catches, 894 receiving yards, six touchdowns, averaging close to five yards per carry and seven yards per catch in the process. The Steelers tendered him at the second round level, which shows they really value him and also making it highly unlikely anyone signs him away this off-season. If Warren and Gainwell carry the load for the Steelers, he’s also in line for a good bump in production. Stay tuned.