Super Bowl Champion Signs Contract With Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Five-year veteran running back Kenneth Gainwell signed a new two-year, $14 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Gainwell, a former fifth-round pick, spent the 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers but has also played for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Kenneth Gainwell, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Agree to Contract

The 2025 season was easily the best of Gainwell’s career. Forming a two-headed committee with fellow running back Jaylen Warren, Gainwell had a season to remember working with veteran Aaron Rodgers. Serving as a dual threat, the running back finished the season with 537 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 114 attempts (4.7 yards per carry) to go along with 73 receptions for 486 yards and three scores. This marked the first time in his career that he exceeded 1,000 scrimmage yards, and his 72.6 PFF grade was the best of his career. His strong play helped the Steelers win the AFC North, but the team still went one-and-done in the playoffs.

Kenneth Gainwell originally entered the league as a fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Selected by the Philadelphia Eagles, the Memphis product spent most of his rookie season in a reserve role. Appearing in 16 games while making one start, Gainwell finished his inaugural campaign with 291 rushing yards and five touchdowns to go along with 33 receptions for 253 yards and an additional score. With his help, the Eagles made it to the playoffs but fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round.

Gainwell played a similar role in 2022, but the Eagles themselves had more success. Finishing the season with 240 rushing yards and 169 receiving yards, Philadelphia made it to the Super Bowl but lost a thrilling shootout to the Kansas City Chiefs. After a disappointing 2023, Gainwell and the Eagles finally hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in 2024. While the running back himself finished the 2024 campaign with a modest 290 rushing yards and 116 receiving yards, Philadelphia defeated Kansas City in a blowout to hoist their second Lombardi of the century.