Should I Start Kenneth Gainwell?

Sunday, June 14, 11:10 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenneth Gainwell has been a standout in his team's offense during OTAs, per Scott Reynolds of Pewter Report. Gainwell is entering his first season in Tampa after signing a two-year, $14 million contract with the team in free agency. The 27-year-old put together a breakout season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, recording 1,023 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns on 187 touches across 17 games. Gainwell recorded 73 catches on 85 targets last season, and Reynolds reports that he has "excelled as a receiver out of the backfield" early on with the Bucs. Entering 2026, Gainwell appears to be carving out a 1B role alongside the 1A in the Tampa Bay backfield, Bucky Irving.