Kenneth Gainwell

Kenneth Gainwell was an integral part of the Pittsburgh backfield last year for the entire season, but he really hit his stride in Weeks 11-18 as the RB7 in fantasy points per game with 13.3 touches and 85 total yards per game. His passing game was robust during this stretch as he was third in target share (17.5%), second in receiving yards per game (45.4), fourth in yards per route run (2.10), and first in first downs per route run (0.116, per Fantasy Points Data). That also isn't to say that he wasn't also fantastic on early downs, ranking 14th in explosive run rate and missed tackle rate overall for the season among backs. Gainwell will play a prominent role for his new team (Tampa Bay) this season as a complement to Bucky Irving. Irving has had a substantial list of injuries that he has dealt with during his short career, so I wouldn't be surprised if Gainwell is leading the backfield some weeks in 2026 with a solid standalone role when Irving is active. Gainwell could easily return RB2 value in 2026 if everything falls in his favor. He definitely carries more fantasy appeal in PPR formats, though.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell signed a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers worth $14 million.

Fantasy Impact

With Rachaad White's time in Tampa, Fla., likely over, the Buccaneers added another pass-catching back to play behind Bucky Irving. Gainwell had career-high marks in nearly every stat last season, with 1,023 yards and eight touchdowns from scrimmage. He should serve as a strong complement to the Buccaneers' offense.