It’s tough for players on a new team to make an impression this early on as the Bucs are in the early stages of preparation of the 2026 season. With that said, veteran running back Kenneth Gainwell has gotten nothing but rave reviews when it comes to his accountability,  professionalism, and ability to fit in with a locker room.

The Bucs signed Kenneth Gainwell to a two-year contract in free agency. It wasn’t a “splash” signing, but it was the biggest move they made on the offensive side. This signing is going to pay off in more ways than one. His impact on the team will be felt in several facets of the team.

Kenneth Gainwell Gets Called A Stud By Bucs’ OC

“I think the first thing that sticks out with Kenny (Gainwell) is that he’s a true pro,” Bucs offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said. “You can tell how intentional he is when he works. The tape was outstanding, really from when you watched him in Philly, limited opportunities. And then you saw last year, just what he can do in an extended role.

“Super excited that that was able to get done and that he was able to be here. Just being around him, he’s a stud guy. Like a guy you just want to be around, a guy that can ignite his team by the style that he plays. “

Bucs RB Kenneth Gainwell – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

He’s going to work alongside starting running back Bucky Irving, and given Irving’s size and injury history from a season ago, the Bucs were smart to ensure they have a quality running back two and three with Sean Tucker also returning. Irving should be ready by training camp as he recovers from offseason surgery, but even if he takes longer to recover, Gainwell will be ready to take the mantle as the starter.

Gainwell’s traits fit perfectly for the Bucs. He’s a quick runner, an above average receiver and he can be relied on to pass block. He’s coming off of a season where he had over 1,000 yards from scrimmage between rushing and receiving while scoring eight touchdowns. Gainwell can do it all.

Bucs OC Zac Robinson – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

This also means we might see more of the fan favorite Pony Package in the backfield, meaning that Irving and Gainwell will lineup in the backfield at the same time on the play. Gainwell, whether starting or backing up, gives the Bucs several options.

“The skillset is pretty cool, you got Bucky, he’s got a unique skillset. Kenny and him can kind of match each other with what they can do in the pass game,” Robinson said. “It’s been awesome to get to know Kenny, and really the rest of the guys. The biggest thing that sticks out is just how intentional he is, how great of a worker he is, he just leads by example and he’s been awesome so far.”

Gainwell Will Likley Have A Role On Special Teams

And let’s not forget about Gainwell’s prowess on special teams. He’s had 53 kick returns in his career, including 26 attempts for for 633 yards last year with the Steelers. Gainwell had a long of 36 yards on a return and could certainly help in the department for Tampa Bay, too.

Bucs RB Kenneth Gainwell – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Barry Reeger

Conveniently enough, Gainwell wasn’t the only player that went from Pittsburgh to Tampa for the 2026 season as“> Danny Smith was hired as the Bucs’ special teams coordinator. Smith raved about the caliber of person that Gainwell his, while also telling a funny anecdote about fighting for more snaps.

“He’s a class person and a great player,” Smith said. “I love being around those types.”

Then he went into his story.

“Kenny Gainwell will fight me about being on special teams. I took him off some situations last year. He’s in my office and very specifically said ‘What’d I do wrong?’ I said ‘You didn’t do anything wrong’ He said ‘Why the hell I ain’t the two on that kickoff?’

Bucs ST coordinator Danny Smith – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“We’ll pick and choose, we’ll make good decisions with people, personnel. He was back returning punts today if you watched any of today’s practice. The kid can do it a lot of things. He’s good on a lot of things, he’s a tireless worker, he’s a great person and a great player. He and I have become close over the year and I’d do anything in the world for him.”

The Bucs have a great chance this year to get back to form in the running back room. It would be great for Irving to lead the way, but even if he struggles again ,we’re going to be seeing a lot Kenneth Gainwell this season. He’s more than capable of getting the job done.