New Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenneth Gainwell is a backfield mate's worst nightmare and a quarterback's best friend all-in-one. Fans will realize exactly what this means in due course — in the best way possible.
Gainwell is a dog in every sense of the word. He's made a real impact on winning throughout his career despite logging just six starts across 83 games (excluding playoffs). The Buccaneers got a good one in free agency, and the Pittsburgh Steelers will miss him for several reasons, as Still Curtain's Tommy Jaggi highlighted.
We spoke with Jaggi following Gainwell's decision to leave Pittsburgh for Tampa Bay, who filled the Krewe in on what the Buccaneers are getting:
"Kenneth Gainwell is coming off a career year that included over 1,000 yards from scrimmage. While not a workhorse back who can carry the load between the tackles, Gainwell is one of the better receivers out of the backfield in the league. His third-down ability makes him an asset for both man and zone-blocking teams."
The Steelers may have fully unlocked Gainwell, but the Bucs may be the biggest beneficiary if he can build on his breakout campaign.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans have reasons to be optimistic about RB Kenneth Gainwell's upward trajectory continuing
Talk about a glowing endorsement. Gainwell isn't a bell-cow by any stretch of the imagination, though he routinely does the little things. Whether it's making receptions, pass protection, handling change-of-pace duties or returning kicks, his efforts help keep an offense on schedule.
Four-time MVP signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, one of the biggest names on the open market, constantly sang Gainwell's praises during their lone season in Pittsburgh together. The former lauded the latter's football IQ and work ethic on more than one occasion.
While Gainwell wasn't in Pittsburgh for long, his presence was certainly felt. He was voted the Steelers' 2025 MVP by his now ex-teammates, which speaks volumes regarding what others think about him. The 2021 fifth-round pick has blossomed into a valued contributor with a championship pedigree as a player with two Super Bowl trips (and one win).
It wouldn't be shocking to see Gainwell become a thorn in Bucs standout tailback Bucky Irving's side, especially with Rachaad White out of the picture. However, considering their versatile skill sets, Tampa Bay may be forming a one-two rushing punch that can work in tandem.