Veteran running back Kenneth Gainwell became a fan favorite over his four-year tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles. Gainwell quickly made his presence known in the City of Brotherly Love as a rookie in 2021 and proved to the coaches that he was the ideal RB2.
Whether it was Miles Sanders, D’Andre Swift, or Saquon Barkley leading the way as Philly’s backfield over the last few years, Gainwell did his job as the backup. After his Eagles’ career came to an end following the Super Bowl 59 win, Gainwell took his talents across the state to Pittsburgh on a one-year deal, where he showed that he’s one of the better RB2s in the league.
And that performance on a Steelers’ squad that didn’t have a bona fide RB1 (Jaylen Warren) like the Eagles do with Barkley, helped him land a lucrative two-year, $14 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency.
Kenny Gainwell’s Offseason Is on an Upward Trend Post Eagles’ Career
Even though Tampa Bay has Bucky Irving as its RB1, Gainwell is likely the frontrunner for the RB2 spot this upcoming season. The Buccaneers decided not to re-sign Rachaad White, who signed a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders. But they still have Sean Tucker, who they brought back on a one-year contract.
However, Tucker doesn’t have the same explosiveness and pass-catching ability that the former Eagles running back has showcased over the years. Last season with the Steelers, Gainwell surprised everyone with what he could do in an offense that lacked a true RB1.
The ex-Eagles running back recorded a career-high 537 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 115 carries. The last time Gainwell scored five touchdowns in a season was his rookie season in 2021. Gainwell also averaged a career-best 4.7 yards per carry despite making two starts, but playing a career-high 517 offensive snaps.
The 5-foot-9, 200-pound running back also became a go-to target out of the backfield for Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers. Gainwell racked up 73 receptions (85 targets) for 486 yards and three touchdowns (all career-highs).
That should make Baker Mayfield happy, as the Buccaneers are without future Hall of Fame WR Mike Evans, who signed with the San Francisco 49ers in free agency. Tampa Bay also has to replace White’s 45 targets from last season.
Another reason why Mayfield should be happy is that Gainwell is one of the better RBs in pass protection. Gainwell was a big help in the backfield for Eagles QB Jalen Hurts for multiple years, as an extra blocker on passing downs.
For a former Day 3 draft pick, Gainwell has carved out a nice career for himself. He might never be a lead back, but he’s done quite well for himself post-Eagles. It will be interesting to see if Gainwell can replicate what he did last year with the Steelers this upcoming season with the Buccaneers.