Consistency Move In The Bucs’ Backfield
July 4th, 2026
New Bucs running back Kenny Gainwell.
Joe is looking for Bucs newcomer running back Kenny Gainwell to get lots of carries and catches this season.
Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht agrees, but he’s also seeking something else.
Licht went there during his June visit to the Sports Day Tampa Bay podcast. Gainwell wasn’t hired to complement Bucky Irving in the traditional manner, Licht said. It’s more about one guy being able to replace the other without the offensive having to change.
Think of it as a fresh type of continuity.
“Bucky and Gainwell, I mean, you use the word ‘complementary’ and that sometimes that means ‘thunder and lightning,’ Licht said. ” But in this case it means something different in a good way, 1a/1b-types that can do the same things so you don’t have to change things up if one can’t go.”
Licht added that No. 3 running back Sean Tucker has more size than Gainwell and Irving, and has different capabilities.
A change-of-pace back as a “1b” definitely is more common and often works, but Joe likes having clone RBs like Gainwell and Irving. There’s value there and defenses are sure to have a couple of panic moments if offensive coordinator Zac Robinson uses them in the backfield together.
July 4th, 2026 at 11:54 pm
Sounds good. Get the offense humming again.
July 4th, 2026 at 11:57 pm
This has the potential to be the best Backfield in the NFL if ego aren’t present? Go Bucs
July 5th, 2026 at 1:24 am
Just hoping Bucky can handle it emotionally
July 5th, 2026 at 1:54 am
“This has the potential to be the best Backfield in the NFL if ego aren’t present?”
SERIOUSLY. I mean, you have got to be KIDDING ME. I just CANNOT right now Lmao. What planet are some of these people living on!? Obviously, NOT in reality. They are either a stone cold LIAR, or have NEVER SEEN anyone else play before, other than JUST THE BUCS. I don’t care if ALL THREE OF ‘EM play in all 17-games this season, while LOVING one another, and getting the exact SAME amount of snaps/touches, & etc…. Hell, I don’t care if they hangout together on the weekends, bbq, go to church with one another, and ALL of that. They will STILL not be anywhere EVEN CLOSE to having “the potential” (LoL) of being the best ‘backfield’ in the league. Now, THAT is just absolutely SO ABSURD on soooo many levels. I mean, WHAT would ever make someone say such a thing!? Just what an EMPTY statement. You do realize that you would be hard pressed to find a SINGLE-ONE of the ‘THREE’ who would be ANYONE’S “Top-20 Running Backs Lists” going into this season, right!?
July 5th, 2026 at 2:01 am
Unbelievable. It’s just mind-blowing what people will say! But, let’s see… Bucky, 4TH-ROUNDER. Gainwell, 5TH-ROUNDER. And, Sean Tucker… UNDRAFTED. Yep. That sure sounds-like, “BEST Backfield in the League POTENTIAL,” there Lmao. It’s INSANITY.
July 5th, 2026 at 7:01 am
Rolling with two small backs that cant protect Baker makes a ton of sense. The Bucs are going to break off $100M guaranteed to their QB before the season starts just to watch him get murdered because of garbage pass pro from their backs.
July 5th, 2026 at 7:40 am
I like the concept.
July 5th, 2026 at 8:51 am
The scheme for using Gainwell and Irving sounds fine. But, the Bucs still need a stronger, heavier back to add to the mix.
July 5th, 2026 at 9:16 am
Jason will pluck a big back from roster cuts and stick him on practice squad. He knows this is make or break for Bucky. If Bucky goes down again Tucker steps into that role and the big back gets elevated to the team. There are plenty of them out there. I am still curious why Tyler Algeir ended up in Arizona, and they drafted Jerimya Love.
July 5th, 2026 at 11:57 am
Good thing Rachaad walked. He couldn’t pick up a blitz..
Oh, wait.
Rachaad left for the same reason Mike left. And Dean. And Izien. And Hall. But at least they retained Otton for stupid money, no one would’ve paid him 7 large and Light pays him 10 in a failed attempt to hide the fact that the team’s biggest problem is still in charge of the team and the defense.
At least all three phases totally sucked out loud last season. smh