Former Fifth-Round Pick Named a Potential Cut Candidate

Former Fifth-Round pick and Philadelphia Eagle running back, Kenneth Gainwell is named a potential cut candidate this offseason. According to a report, the Memphis product spent its entirety with the team but one analyst believes the running back could be cut or traded before the year begins. Bleacher Report says the Eagles cutting him would be a realistic way for the team to save a little cap space. Philadelphia still has over $27 million in available cap space which isn’t bad if they want to make more immediate moves.

However, if they find a player outproducing Gainwell in training camp, they could just cut ties with him. He’s been a contributor to the running back room, but they acquired Saquon Barkley this free agency and drafted Will Shipley for depth. If they move on from Gainwell, it would mean making room for undrafted rookie free agent Kendall Milton. It’s not likely he’ll get a starting position on a new team since the market seems thin.

Gainwell has played in 49 games for the Eagles over his three years but only started three. He notched 895 yards and 11 touchdowns on 208 carries (4.4 yards per carry). The Memphis product is still a viable backup option for teams that need some depth at the position. He’s also solid as a receiving option out of the backfield, hauling in 605 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Last year, the running back was filled with Gainwell, D’Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny. However, Penny and Swift moved on to different teams and the Eagles were looking for replacements. Philadelphia could just keep him around for depth but it’s most likely he will become a trade candidate if they want someone new. Barkley and Shipley look to be carrying the snaps while they’ll use Gainwell sporadically.

Former Fifth-Round Pick Kenneth Gainwell Named a Potential Cut Candidate

Will Philadelphia Move On?

If they like what they see from the other running backs that don’t include Gainwell then they may move on. However, Gainwell still has value for a team that may have a solid starter but may need depth. It’s key to note that Gainwell has been slowing down last season after having three fumbles so he could be on the outside of the 53-man roster. Shipley promises to be a significant factor in the backfield and head coach Nick Sirianni feels the same way.

“We’re really excited about Will,” he said. “Just his ability to make guys miss in space, accelerate off of that, and then also be a threat out of the backfield and also being to in the lineup. I think he’s very versatile in the things that he can do.”

It’s the same noise that Milton is having after being one of the players to monitor this training camp. The Eagles see something in him after signing him to just a $250,000 contract. It’s clear that if there aren’t a lot of fireworks going on for Gainwell this offseason. If they move on, here are some potential destinations for the Memphis product.

Potential Destinations

Isiah Pacheco is the starter for the Kansas City Chiefs but they may be looking for some depth upgrade at the position. Clyde Edwards-Helaire has been a journeyman in his career so this isn’t the most reliable backup on your team. They had a better chance of keeping Jerick McKinnon after a down year for the current second-string running back. However, Gainwell would be a low-cost effective option for the team that needs some solid depth.

The backfield is still questionable for the Ravens despite acquiring Derrick Henry as their starter. The losses of J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards are going to hurt the team in one way or another. They may consider Gainwell as an emergency depth. The running back room for the Saints still looks solid under Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams. However, Kamara has been a trade rumor this offseason and if he goes then this means Williams is the starter.

Gainwell would be a sufficient backup for a team that doesn’t need to spend so much for one running back.