BSPN: Kenneth Gainwell Highly “Underrated”
March 15th, 2026
Bucs RB Kenneth Gainwell.
When Joe first learned the Bucs agreed to terms with Kenneth Gainwell during the opening hour or so of legal tampering, Joe thought that was a nice signing: A quality running back who contributes on special teams and is sort of Rachaad White-like in that he’s a solid receiver out of the backfield.
He may be more than that. Much more.
Seth Walder of BSPN, a man who never met a number he didn’t like, believes Gainwell was the second-most underrated signing in free agency.
So in other words, he believes Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht stole Gainwell.
Kenneth Gainwell, RB
Signing Gainwell won’t be as flashy as inking Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, Travis Etienne Jr. or Breece Hall. And Gainwell might not be an every-down back, either. But he can easily be a team’s best running back and his contract won’t cost as much as those of bigger names.
Gainwell is coming off a nice season with the Steelers in which he recorded 4.7 yards per carry per NFL Next Gen Stats. He recorded 10.6 yards per carry on plays in which he wasn’t contacted for at least 3 yards — sixth best among all running backs with at least 100 carries.
But Gainwell really excels on passing downs. He recorded 73 receptions for 486 yards last season in Pittsburgh, per NFL Next Gen Stats. … The Steelers had Gainwell on the field on 77% of third-and-longs. So he can absolutely be a value add.
There are two elements to Bucs free agents that Joe senses. One is the Bucs signed guys with heart, with energy, with juice. The other was signing guys who wanted to be here.
This team lacked juice last year in part because the defense collectively quit on Todd Bowles in 2025.
And Joe doesn’t think it’s outrageous saying White was one of those guys (though clearly he didn’t play defense). Think about it: minutes after the Bucs were eliminated from the playoffs, White basically went adios MFers on Instagram.
Think that attitude just developed in 60 seconds? Maybe that’s why former Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard didn’t target White much in the passing game (which was his forté)? Grizzard possibly didn’t trust White with his “Mom-are-we-there-yet?” glum attitude for the end of his Bucs days.
March 15th, 2026 at 8:04 am
I first became aware of Kenneth Gainwell a few years ago when I picked him up late in Fantasy (hello Rachel Watson) Football. He’s legit. Nice pick up by JL.
March 15th, 2026 at 8:13 am
Gainwell>Rachaad White as far as skill set and attitude goes. Dude can play special teams too. Nice pick up by the Bucs. Not the big splash signing but definitely a decent one by JL. Looks like Joe is onto something about removing the cancers from the locker room. White was very put off that he was playing second fiddle to Bucky even when Bucky was not bringing his A,B or C game; recall the “going with the hot hand” garbage that Grizzard and Bowles were pushing last year. Well, Grizz is in Philly now and hopefully Bowles will stay in his own lane and let Zac run his O without any “guidance” from Todd which did not seem to help the Bucs. Maybe if Todd isn’t “distracted” by issues on the O and special teams , he can try to make the D better as JL seems to have upgraded at a few spots but still many holes and many of us are having a hard time getting past 3rd and 28.
March 15th, 2026 at 8:25 am
They can sign juice. Or Guyana want to be here. They can draft juice or guys that’d want to be here.
They still have Bowles.
5-12
March 15th, 2026 at 8:37 am
My first thought was all of that, as well. UNTIL, I heard the number. As in the dollar amount. I thought it seemed a little desperate. Our RB room is farrrrr from great. I have ZERO confidence in Bucky, and the other two are JAGS. 💯 Better make a move for LOVE, if he falls and is still there at 12. Now, THAT would be a real difference maker! These current three… Meh.
March 15th, 2026 at 8:39 am
Not many teams in this league can get to 6-1 start of the season. Not easy to win in this league. I remember Jason jumping into the pool because we won games.
They had little money to spent past few years and kept their core players. This year they are replacing the old, injured, small and slow. Defense needs help.
March 15th, 2026 at 8:45 am
His numbers tell me he can play. Underrated maybe but… Bucky and Sean better get their big boy pants on me thinks. Wow White maybe should not have lost control of his bladder?
Go Bucs!
March 15th, 2026 at 8:46 am
I wanted him when he was coming out of Memphis, too!
March 15th, 2026 at 9:12 am
Gainwell is a great add. We are adding, as Joe says, players with heart, energy, and “ juice”. Players who want to be here. Who wouldn’t want to be in Tampa? Yesterday it was 80 degrees here where I live. Tomorrow it’s gonna be single digit wind chills. Wish I was in Tampa. The biggest reason Evans and White aren’t here anymore is because of their stinking attitudes. Old saying, lead, follow, or get the heck outta the way. It fits. This is Baker Mayfield’s team now. That confused Mike and Rachaad. Baker was clearly the alpha dog of this outfit after the victory over Cousins and the Vikings at Minnesota his first game as a Buc. He’s established himself every single day since getting here. Evans and White are talented players who neither one could be considered a threat to be a team leader. Every single day since getting here was too much a stretch for Evans and White. Huge difference in a natural born leader and a talented football player. Talented football players, in the NFL are a dime a dozen. Leadership qualities the likes of Baker Mayfield come along maybe every few years. Lots of talent in the draft this year on defense. Not so much talent combined with off the chart leadership skills. Our defense has some talent but no leaders. Zilch. One true leader can make a team with “some” talent winners. If we don’t get Jacob Rodriguez in this draft, and we had the chance at him? Well, then, I’d say we oughta line up the entire mgmt staff and bullwhip them. JRod, like Mayfield, is a natural born leader. Like speed, you can’t teach it. But you know it when you see it. I know since I’ve become a Bucs fan I haven’t seen it. And “it” is important on both sides of the ball. Get JRod, and let’s go win another Super Bowl.
March 15th, 2026 at 9:25 am
All these backs will be looking great if our OL is healthy. It’s all that matters.
March 15th, 2026 at 9:37 am
White got his comeuppance when he signed with Washington. Good riddance for a back that just couldn’t see the field from the tailback position. Better as a receiver no doubt but an incomplete back. Gainwell is more of a complete back and he and Bucky are very similar so little to no drop off from the starter. Very good pickup by the Bucs. Joe, you said it very well: Sign players that want to be here and aren’t quitters. Phenomenal that it even needs to be said of employees being paid millions of dollars but effort is not a given at this level. Manziel is living proof that talent alone doesn’t cut it, you have to provide the effort.
March 15th, 2026 at 9:51 am
Gainwell is legit, when I watched some of his games I was impressed very happy he’s on our team I love our running backs room all 3 can do some damage to defenses this upcoming season GO BUCS!!!
March 15th, 2026 at 9:53 am
“Manziel is living proof that talent alone doesn’t cut it, you have to provide the effort.”
Manziel never had talent, he had ME 13! Lol
March 15th, 2026 at 9:55 am
kenny g probably the bucs best move. the defense relying on over 30 year old free agents doesnt comfort me at all im addition to vea and david being over 30 and kancey always being hurt and dean and izien walking . the bucs dont have enough draft picks. they need 2 linebackers , drafting just 1 isnt going to cut it.
March 15th, 2026 at 10:01 am
Kenneth Gainwell is a huge addition to an offense that averaged 16 8 ppg
During the last 7 games of the season, ,with everything on the line
While the offense was stinking the field, the defense was keeping it close
What they don’t talk about Gainwell, is his ability to catch the ball at WR
He lined up close to a 100 snaps at Slot receiver and Outside receiver
March 15th, 2026 at 10:01 am
Now we need a BIG back for red zone / goal line. With Mike gone we may need plan B down there.
March 15th, 2026 at 10:11 am
Kenneth Gainwell lined up as WR 97 times
Only Bijan Robinson lined up more as a WR from the RB position
Bijan lined up as a WR 250 times
I think Zach Robinson will utilize Gainwell similar to Bijan
I’m sure Zach Robinson, Danny Smith had something to do with this signing
March 15th, 2026 at 10:19 am
White had the hot hand and was mostly benched
March 15th, 2026 at 10:31 am
They guaranteed Gainwell $10 million for two seasons
And they’re not paying him that kind of money
To sit the bench and watch Bucky juke defenders for a 2 yard gain
Bucky has a huge ego, and a attitude problem
His blow-up on the sidelines against Miami was disgusting
I think all of the hype after his rookie season inflated his ego
But now he’s on notice
March 15th, 2026 at 10:33 am
**an attitude problem
March 15th, 2026 at 10:35 am
Yeah.. I’ve never quite understood Zac Robinsons use of Bijan/Allgier in ATL. Hope it goes better here.
March 15th, 2026 at 10:52 am
I just want to wish Bucs marketing good luck this summer. Some guys we signed are decent but no one jumps out like “I need season tickets” – and we don’t have the coach or QB to make a great show out of random dudes.