Kenneth Gainwell Joined Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The former Steelers running back has signed a one-year deal with Tampa Bay.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Is it natural for professional athletes to feel slighted when their team lets them go?
After earning MVP honors with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, running back Kenneth Gainwell has signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He will face his former team in Week 6 of the 2026 NFL season.
Why it matters
The Steelers chose not to re-sign Gainwell during free agency, leading the running back to seek an opportunity to demonstrate his value elsewhere. This move gives him an early chance to prove his capabilities against his former organization.
Gainwell recorded 73 receptions for 486 yards and three touchdowns in 2025, while currently managing 10 carries for 21 yards during the 2026 season. Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving has logged 40 carries for 180 yards and one touchdown in three games.
The players
Kenneth Gainwell
He is an NFL running back who earned team MVP honors with the Steelers in 2025.
Bucky Irving
He is a running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who has served as a primary workhorse back in 2026.
Baker Mayfield
He is the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who is expected to miss upcoming game time.
Pittsburgh Steelers
This is an NFL franchise based in Pittsburgh that Gainwell played for during the 2025 season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This is an NFL franchise based in Tampa Bay that signed Gainwell for the 2026 season.
The details
Gainwell joins a Tampa Bay backfield currently led by Bucky Irving, who has served as the team's primary workhorse runner. The Buccaneers are currently navigating significant injuries at key offensive positions, including the projected absence of quarterback Baker Mayfield for the upcoming game against Pittsburgh.
Timeline
Gainwell played for the Pittsburgh Steelers throughout the 2025 season.
The 2026 season is the current ongoing NFL season.
The Buccaneers will play the Pittsburgh Steelers during Week 6 of the 2026 season.
Season Trajectory
This signing shifts the Tampa Bay backfield rotation as the team works to maintain offensive production amid key injuries. The move carries added weight for the Week 6 matchup, which now serves as a narrative focal point for Gainwell against his former team.
Gainwell will likely compete for secondary touches in the Tampa Bay rotation behind Bucky Irving while quarterback Baker Mayfield remains sidelined. Fantasy managers should monitor his snap count in Week 6 to see if he earns a larger role against his former team.
The takeaway
Players moving to new teams often face heightened expectations when immediately pitted against their former organizations. This Week 6 game highlights how quickly NFL depth charts can shift due to both free agency and sudden injury challenges.
Further reading
For more updates on roster shifts across the league, visit our Football section.
Live Poll
Is it natural for professional athletes to feel slighted when their team lets them go?
