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Kenneth Gainwell #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers scores a second quarter touchdown against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on December 21, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been busy to open up the NFL Free Agency negotiating window.
Right off the bat, the Buccaneers were able to work out a deal to bring back tight end Cade Otton. It didn’t take long for the team to make an addition from the outside.
According to a report from NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Tampa Bay has agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $14 million with former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell. The deal comes with $10 million guaranteed.
“BREAKING: Kenneth Gainwell is signing with the Bucs on a 2-year, $14M deal, with $10M guaranteed, per sources. Deal done by @WinSportsGroup,” Schultz wrote on X.
“Gainwell, the Steelers’ team MVP last year, had 1,023 total yards and 8 TDs and is an ascending player as a runner and pass catcher.”
What Are the Buccaneers Getting in Kenneth Gainwell?
During the 2025 NFL season with the Steelers, Gainwell was an excellent glue player for the offense. He is known for being a dual-threat running back and played his role well.
Throughout the course of the year, Gainwell played in all 17 games. He carried the football 114 times for 537 yards and five scores, averaging a solid 4.7 yards per attempt. Gainwell also caught 73 passes for 486 yards and three touchdowns.
Adding that kind of a receiving threat out of the backfield will be valuable for star quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Gainwell will form a one-two punch in the Buccaneers’ backfield with Bucky Irving. While Irving will likely take the majority of the carries, Gainwell’s addition will help Tampa Bay in third down situations.
This is the kind of low-risk and cost signing that can yield huge results.
Tampa Bay Facing Difficult Situation With Mike Evans
At this point in time, no one knows exactly what the Buccaneers’ offense will look like in 2026. The addition of Gainwell is a good move, but Tampa Bay could be gearing up to lose star wide receiver Mike Evans.
According to a report from Schultz, Evans seems to have “serious interest” in leaving the Buccaneers in free agency.
“Sources: Bucs legend Mike Evans is poised to become a free agent next hour, and interested teams have gotten the sense he’s serious about leaving Tampa Bay after 12 seasons.”
Losing Evans would be a difficult blow for Tampa Bay. He has been one of the best wide receivers in the NFL for years. The Buccaneers would need to find a way to replace him should he choose to leave town.
Tampa Bay fans should buckle up. The offseason has already been hectic and it just began. More news about Evans should be coming in the near future.
Evan Massey Evan Massey is a sports reporter and analyst located in Indianapolis, Indiana who covers the NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA, and college sports. He has been featured on many publications, including Newsweek, Athlon Sports, ESPN, Yahoo! Sports, Forbes, Bleacher Report, Sporting News, and many others. In his free time, Evan enjoys spending time with his wife and son. More about Evan Massey
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