The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Kenny Gainwell this offseason to offset the loss of Rachaad White, who left in free agency to sign with the Washington Commanders.
Gainwell is an effective pass blocker, and one of the league’s best receivers at the running back position. He’s a perfect fit for the third-down running back due to the impact he can make on passing downs, but it’s starting to feel like his role can expand far behind that.
Kenny Gainwell could push Bucky Irving for Buccaneers’ lead running back role
Bucky Irving had an incredible rookie season back in 2024, rushing for 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns. He looked poised to solidify himself as one of the NFL’s best running backs going forward.
But last season, he missed seven games due to a combination of injuries and mental health struggles. His yards per carry dropped from 5.4 to 3.4, and he didn’t have the same impact that he had in his rookie year.
Irving is starting this offseason on the sidelines, as he recovers from a procedure on his injured shoulder.
That gives the newcomer Gainwell the opportunity to take all of the first-team reps throughout OTAs as Irving waits to be cleared for a return.
Gainwell rushed for 537 yards and five touchdowns last season on 4.7 yards per carry. He also caught a whopping 73 passes, ranking fourth among all running backs across the league.
He was so impactful for the Steelers that his teammates voted him Team MVP. It’s possible he can be just as crucial to the offense in Tampa Bay.
The Bucs need to be mindful of how they use Irving. His smaller stature and existing injury history should serve as a dire warning not to run him into the ground. He simply might not be built to take 200 carries a year.
While Irving has been a bellcow through his first two seasons, Gainwell could eat into Irving’s lead role and make it more of an even split as the team looks to take the necessary steps to keep Irving healthy.
Last season, Gainwell was more efficient as a rusher, and his steady blocking and elite production as a receiver make him capable of being an every-down back.
Most importantly, through five NFL seasons, Gainwell has appeared in at least 16 games in every season. He’s a durable player who rarely misses time, which is just what the Bucs need with Irving’s status up in the air.
Gainwell was an under-the-radar pickup this offseason, and could sneakily challenge Irving for the lead running back role when all is said and done.
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