The Buccaneers moved quickly to address the running back position after Rachaad White’s departure, adding former Pittsburgh Steelers backup Kenneth Gainwell on Monday.
The deal is for two years, $14 million with $10 million guaranteed, per multiple outlets.
Gainwell, 26, set career highs in rushing and receiving yards last season with Pittsburgh after his first four years went by in Philadelphia relatively quietly as a 2021 5th round pick. In 17 games (2 starts) during the 2025 season, he rain for 537 yards and 5 touchdowns while adding 486 receiving yards and 3 scores on 73 receptions. In 83 total games (6 starts), Gainwell has tallied 1,722 rushing yards, 1,207 receiving yards, and 21 total touchdowns.
White, a former second-round pick by Tampa, made it clear throughout the off-season he would not return to the team that drafted him, which left a significant hole behind Bucky Irving — a hole made even deeper by the team refusing to tender Sean Tucker, who is also now a free agent.
Given Irving also struggled last year, presumably due to some serious injuries, Gainwell should provide much-needed stability to the backfield. With $10 million guaranteed, Gainwell will absolutely see some significant snaps as a part of a 1-2 punch.
