Another Piece Of Evidence Why The Bucs Signed Kenneth Gainwell
July 15th, 2026
Red zone rushing weapon?
OK, as Joe often has stated since the end of free agency, there is a reason why the Bucs are paying Kenneth Gainwell $7 million this year.
The most obvious reason is that was Gainwell’s market value and Rachaad White’s 800 yards of production and team-leading 48 first downs needed to be replaced. Also obvious was that last year Bucs running back Bucky Irving got hurt.
And White is no Bucky when Bucky is healthy.
But while reading the Warren Sharp 2026 Football Preview, Joe learned what may be another reason the Bucs signed Gainwell: The red zone rushing offense was dreadful last season.
The rushing success rate for the Bucs in the red zone ranked No. 27. Yards rushing in the red zone were No. 26.
When you cannot run well in the red zone, your offense is going to struggle to score.
(Yes, Joe knows White did very well in the red zone at Seattle. That game was an outlier last season.)
Passing the ball in the red zone, the Bucs weren’t bad, even though former Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard didn’t use a lot of play-action last year in the red zone (No. 28).
Granted, it didn’t help that Bucky missed a bunch of games last year.
So yeah, there’s a reason why the Bucs signed Gainwell: More options for weapons in the red zone.
July 15th, 2026 at 7:29 am
I imagine most of that is because of a decimated oline then anything else. To me it would have made more sense for the bucs to sign someone like aj dillon rather than a almost clone of what they already had in bucky.
July 15th, 2026 at 7:34 am
I guess to fully explore the injury vs coaching question, it would be interesting to look at a ranking of injuries in the offensive line versus red zone running efficiency
July 15th, 2026 at 7:45 am
This signing has really flown under the radar. This guy is going to be a very big part of this team this year. Can’t help but like all the additions that have been made to this team this year. Now if the O-line stays healthy and the Putrid Pass Defense is even average-we just might do some damage this year. Go BUCS!!
July 15th, 2026 at 7:54 am
Whole new offense, a lot of new players. We’ll soon find out what the Buc 26 offense can do. I do like the coaching upgrades on offense. Don’t mind the subtraction of Evans, and White, love the Gainwell signing, and the drafting of our new X receiver Ted Hurst. Key to the whole offense will always come down to the health of the O line.
July 15th, 2026 at 8:15 am
Bucky was great his rookie year. This year will be his make or break year. Don’t want him turning into another muscle hamster.
July 15th, 2026 at 8:31 am
White was the better back last year but was not used nearly enough. I can’t blame him for being disgruntled and leaving. He was more productive than Irving. With that said Gainwell looks to be an upgrade which is promising. Whereas the secondary went backwards Morrison for Dean, it appears Gainwell may actually be an uptick to White.
July 15th, 2026 at 8:42 am
Joe, you’re way off on linking Gainwell to red zone rushing. The red zone issues were related to a decimated OL, Bucky being out, and Grizz’s run play simplicity. The Bucs dumped White and Gainwell is a great bang/buck replacement.
July 15th, 2026 at 9:14 am
He looks like a good addition.
July 15th, 2026 at 9:18 am
You can never have enough quality RB’s on the roster. Injuries will happen.
And you need different running styles along with different skill sets.
If we are five yards or less from pay dirt in 2026, I hope they start using Tucker to pound the rock. He’s the right back in that situation.
Bucky and Gainwell need space to operate. Tucker will fight you in a phone booth.
We’re going to find out if Robinson can scheme the running game without a top 3 RB on the roster.
July 15th, 2026 at 9:19 am
Because Gainwell is really good at football. He’s is a solid runner both outside and between the tackles. He is a great receiver out if the backfield. He can pass pro. And he is very good on ST.
Add to the fact White wanted to leave, and that meant to Bucs had a big need at RB.
Fantastic, “under the radar” signing by JL.
This offense (if they stay healthy) has a chance to be really good.
The ST will be substantially better.
Just need the defense to be average to above average for this team to be good.
Still have concerns at outside CB. Could really solidfy this defense by making and trade or at least signing a CB who may be a cap casualty.
July 15th, 2026 at 9:32 am
Bucky is not the big deal people think. In 2024, he had 3 games over 100 yards rushing and 6 over 75. They won all six of those games. 8 TDs. Last season, 1 game over 75. No 100 yard games and 1 TD.
So he was injured. Two seasons, one injured.
Not a great start.
July 15th, 2026 at 9:44 am
Kenneth Gainwell was signed for one reason, he performed well in Pittsburgh and the Bucs signed him for a reasonable PRICE which fits in well with the Glazer family financial team strategy.
July 15th, 2026 at 10:42 am
Rachaad White knows Todd.