TAMPA — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers added running back Kenneth Gainwell in free agency to fill the void left by Rachaad White’s departure, pairing a Pittsburgh Steelers teammate-voted 2025 Most Valuable Player with Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker in a retooled backfield.
Gainwell arrives with 83 career games between the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers, accumulating 1,722 rushing yards on 394 carries at 4.4 yards per carry with 17 rushing touchdowns. He has added 175 receptions for 1,207 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns across his career, with six starts.
The dual-threat back posted career highs across the board after signing with Pittsburgh in 2025: 114 rush attempts, 537 rushing yards, 73 receptions, 486 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns while tying his career best with five rushing touchdowns. That production placed Gainwell among just five NFL running backs to record at least 500 rushing yards and 450 receiving yards last season, alongside De’Von Achane, Jahmyr Gibbs, Christian McCaffrey and Bijan Robinson.
Gainwell’s pass-catching ability gives quarterback Baker Mayfield another weapon in offensive coordinator Zac Robinson’s scheme heading into 2026. His route-running versatility and run-after-catch ability elevated Pittsburgh’s screen game last season, and his proficiency in pass protection — picking up blitzers without telegraphing whether a play is a run or pass — keeps defenses guessing on third down.
The Buccaneers expect Gainwell to bolster their wide zone rushing attack while providing a slot receiving dimension that White did not offer at the same level. With Irving as the lead back and Tucker also in the room, Tampa Bay has assembled a backfield built around versatility heading into training camp.