Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) celebrates after a touchdown during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Why Kenneth Gainwell Will Break Out With Buccaneers

Originally posted on Tampa Bay Buccaneers on SI
By James Hill | Last updated Apr 2, 2026 4:00 PM ET

The Buccaneers certainly made some changes in free agency. Many of the moves that they made felt like swaps for players leaving the building, such as A'Shawn Robinson for Logan Hall and Alex Anzalone for Lavonte David.

However, there is one swap I believe could be really good for the Bucs — Kenneth Gainwell for Rachaad White. Now, this is not a disrespect to White. I was a very big fan of his game and thought that he was a very good player for the Buccaneers when he was here.

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However, there is still plenty of reason to be excited about Gainwell's addition and what he could potentially be for Tampa Bay's offense. Taking a look at the contract for two years, $14 million, with about $9.8 million of said contract guaranteed, it does look like the team is placing a lot of trust in Gainwell's ability as a playmaker going forward.

Gainwell had a very solid season in 2025, finishing with 537 rushing yards on 114 attempts, 73 receptions, 486 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns. Compare that to White, who had 572 rushing yards on 132 attempts, 40 receptions, 218 receiving yards, and zero receiving touchdowns, and it's reasonable to say the Bucs got an upgrade at the running back position.

Another aspect of Gainwell that should be overlooked is his ability to help in special teams. Gainwell worked with current Bucs special teams coordinator Danny Smith last year with the Pittsburgh Steelers as their main kickoff return man. Gainwell finished with 26 kickoff returns last year for 633 return yards and an average of 24.3 yards per return.

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Given the amount of money he was given as well as his good play in 2025, one has to wonder if Gainwell could even become the number one running back on the team, dipping into and eventually overtaking snaps for Bucky Irving.

Irving struggled with injury last season and was only able to rush for 588 yards on 173 attempts and also had 30 receptions for 277 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns. Gainwell could give the Bucs a more reliable option, especially in the receiving game, when it comes to the offense going forward.

Current Bucs offensive coordinator Zac Robinson also relies on his running backs being able to catch the ball consistently in his offense, making this a great system and opportunity for Gainwell to break out in 2025.