Much of the conversation surrounding the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason has centered on rebuilding the defense. The additions of pass rushers and inside linebackers have dominated headlines after a unit that struggled throughout 2025.
However, one of the most intriguing storylines may be unfolding on the offensive side of the ball.
The addition of running back Kenneth Gainwell has the potential to give offensive coordinator Zac Robinson another dynamic weapon, creating one of the NFL’s most versatile backfields.
A Healthy Bucky Irving Changes Everything
Bucky Irving enters 2026 looking to bounce back after an injury-plagued sophomore season.
After rushing for 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie, Irving was limited to 588 rushing yards and one touchdown in 2025 while battling foot and shoulder injuries that cost him significant playing time.
If Irving returns to full health, he should once again lead Tampa Bay’s rushing attack.
That doesn’t mean Gainwell won’t have an important role.
Gainwell Brings More Than Just Running Ability
The Buccaneers signed Gainwell to provide depth behind Irving, but his skill set suggests he could become much more than a traditional backup.
Following a career season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Gainwell arrives in Tampa Bay after rushing for 1,023 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 4.7 yards per carry.
His biggest value, however, may come as a receiver.
Gainwell recorded career highs with 73 receptions, 486 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns last season. His ability to line up in multiple situations makes him a natural fit for Robinson’s offense, which is expected to feature running backs more prominently in the passing game.
National Analysts Expect Gainwell to Make an Immediate Impact
ESPN fantasy analyst Eric Moody believes Gainwell could carve out a larger role than many expect.
“Kenny Gainwell’s role could be larger than expected in Tampa Bay,” Moody wrote. “From Week 8 on last season, Gainwell, then a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, averaged 13.3 touches and 17.8 fantasy points per game. He was also a capable receiver out of the backfield, ranking near the top of the position in yards per route run during that stretch. Rachaad White is gone, and Bucky Irving is projected for 61% of the touches for the Buccaneers, leaving Gainwell with standalone appeal and RB2 upside if his role grows.”
Fellow ESPN analyst Eric Karabell echoed similar expectations, reinforcing the belief that Gainwell could emerge as one of Tampa Bay’s more valuable offseason additions.
Baker Mayfield Already Sees the Difference
Quarterback Baker Mayfield has also been impressed by what he has seen from Gainwell during offseason workouts.
“He has been doing great,” Mayfield said. “He’s somebody that I’ve respected from afar when he was with Philly and the Steelers. You can tell he’s a sharp kid who’s always been able to do pass protection stuff. He was doing that in Philly from very early on in his career, and then in Pittsburgh, he actually balled out.”
Those comments should excite Buccaneers fans.
Pass protection is one of the quickest ways for a running back to earn playing time, especially in a quarterback-friendly offense. Combine that with Gainwell’s receiving ability and proven production, and it’s easy to envision Robinson finding creative ways to keep both Irving and Gainwell involved.
If that happens, the Buccaneers won’t simply have a starting running back and a backup. They’ll have one of the more complete running back duos in the NFL.
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