Kenneth Gainwell, the dynamic running back who electrified Pittsburgh last season, is on the move once again. After a breakout year with the Steelers, Gainwell has signed a lucrative two-year, $14 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to multiple league sources and first reported by ESPN and The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. The move, finalized on March 9, 2026, marks a significant shift for both franchises and sets the stage for a new era in Tampa Bay’s backfield.
Gainwell’s journey to this moment has been anything but straightforward. Originally a fifth-round pick out of Memphis by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021, Gainwell spent his first four NFL seasons in Philadelphia, mostly as a rotational back. He was part of two Super Bowl runs with the Eagles, earning a ring when they triumphed in February 2025. But it was his lone season in Pittsburgh that truly put him on the map.
After signing a modest one-year, $1.79 million deal with the Steelers in the 2025 offseason, Gainwell seized the opportunity to become a featured weapon. He split snaps evenly with Jaylen Warren—each playing 50% of the offensive downs—but made the most of every touch. Gainwell rushed 114 times for a career-high 537 yards and five touchdowns, but it was his versatility as a receiver that set him apart. He led the Steelers with 73 receptions on 85 targets, piling up 486 receiving yards and three touchdowns. No other Steelers player even cracked the 60-catch mark, with DK Metcalf finishing second at 59 receptions.
That versatility didn’t go unnoticed. Gainwell finished the 2025 campaign with a career-best 1,023 yards from scrimmage and eight total touchdowns, earning him team MVP honors. He was also a key contributor on special teams, averaging a robust 24.3 yards on 26 kickoff returns. As ESPN noted, "Gainwell earned team MVP honors for the Steelers last season after leading the team with 73 receptions on 85 targets."
Gainwell’s performance was historic for the franchise. Not since quarterback Neil O’Donnell left for the New York Jets in 1996 had the Steelers lost their reigning team MVP to free agency. This time, the departure is felt just as deeply. As one local report put it, "2025 Steelers MVP Kenneth Gainwell has agreed to terms with the Buccaneers. It’s reportedly a two-year, $14 million deal."
The Buccaneers’ interest in Gainwell was no surprise. Ranked seventh among running backs and 104th overall in The Athletic’s top 150 free agents, Gainwell was one of the most coveted offensive players on the market. Tampa Bay, seeking to add stability and explosiveness to its backfield, pounced quickly. The deal, paying Gainwell $7 million annually through 2027, signals the Bucs’ intent to feature him prominently alongside second-year back Bucky Irving. With Rachaad White and Sean Tucker both hitting free agency, Gainwell’s arrival effectively closes the door on White’s return and sets up a new one-two punch in Tampa Bay.
According to NFL reporter Dianna Russini, "Gainwell will now compete for the starting spot in Tampa Bay," though the expectation is that he and Irving will share the bulk of the carries. Gainwell’s skill set as a pass-catcher out of the backfield should mesh well with the Buccaneers’ offensive philosophy, giving them a reliable check-down option and a threat in open space.
For the Steelers, Gainwell’s departure leaves a sizable hole in their offense. Jaylen Warren, who rushed for 958 yards and six touchdowns last season, is expected to remain the lead back. Kaleb Johnson, a second-year player who was a non-factor as a rookie, moves up the depth chart. With running back now a glaring need, Pittsburgh may look to sign a veteran to back up Warren or address the position in the 2026 NFL Draft. As one report observed, "Gainwell’s departure makes running back a key offseason need for the Steelers."
Gainwell’s NFL journey is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. After four years as a backup in Philadelphia, where he tallied 1,722 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, plus 175 receptions for 1,207 yards and four scores, Gainwell finally broke through in Pittsburgh. His 2025 campaign was a model of consistency and playmaking, highlighted by his ability to impact the game in multiple phases—rushing, receiving, and returning kicks.
His playoff pedigree also adds value to the Buccaneers. Gainwell was part of the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX-winning squad and played a key role in their postseason runs, including a 181-yard rushing performance over three games two seasons ago. That experience could prove invaluable for a Buccaneers team with championship aspirations.
For Gainwell, the new deal is a well-earned reward. After betting on himself with a one-year contract in Pittsburgh, he’s now secured financial security and a featured role in Tampa Bay. At just 26—he turns 27 on March 14—Gainwell is entering the prime of his career. The Buccaneers are banking on him to bring the same spark and production that made him a star in Pittsburgh.
Gainwell’s signing wasn’t the only major move for Tampa Bay this week. The Buccaneers also agreed to a two-year, $17 million contract with linebacker Alex Anzalone, formerly of the Detroit Lions. Anzalone, a nine-year veteran and longtime Lions captain, brings leadership and experience to the defensive side of the ball. But it’s Gainwell’s arrival that has fans buzzing about the potential for a revamped offense in 2026.
As the new league year approaches and contracts become official, the spotlight will be on Gainwell to deliver on his new deal. Can he replicate his MVP-caliber performance in a new environment? Will he and Bucky Irving form one of the league’s most dynamic backfields? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Kenneth Gainwell’s journey from backup to team MVP to prized free agent is one of the NFL’s most compelling stories this offseason.
With free agency in full swing and draft season on the horizon, both the Buccaneers and Steelers will be closely watched as they reshape their rosters. For now, all eyes are on Gainwell as he prepares to don a new uniform and take on a leading role in Tampa Bay. The stage is set for another chapter in his already eventful career, and fans in both cities will be eager to see how it unfolds.