The Pittsburgh Steelers struggled on the offensive side of the ball during the 2025 season, but one of the few bright spots was running back Kenneth Gainwell. He signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh during the 2025 offseason, and it was unclear how involved he would be with the offense. He eventually turned into arguably the team's best weapon. It was hard to imagine how involved he would be with Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson in the running back room, but he quickly proved that he deserved to be on the field.
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Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell looks on after a big-time game in Dublin, Ireland in the 2025 NFL season.
Gainwell only signed a one-year deal in Pittsburgh, so it has been known that there was a strong chance he would be leaving the organization. That became a reality on Monday as the running back has reportedly agreed to a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
BREAKING: Kenneth Gainwell is signing with the #Bucs on a 2-year, $14M deal, with $10M guaranteed, per sources. Deal done by @WinSportsGroup.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 9, 2026
Gainwell, the #Steelers’ team MVP last year, had 1,023 total yards and 8 TDs and is an ascending player as a runner and pass catcher. pic.twitter.com/Isp3uATM53
The running back was the team's MVP during the 2025 season as he made countless plays both on the ground and through the air. It was impressive to watch, and he made his name known during his time with the Steelers. He will now join the Buccaneers, and he should be able to see the field a good amount as an alternate option to Bucky Irving.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Former Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
This is a great move for the Buccaneers. Gainwell proved he was an offensive weapon during the 2025 season, but Tampa Bay was still able to get him on a fairly team-friendly deal. The contract averages $7 million per year, which is nothing compared to what other running backs around the league make. Gainwell is a threat on any offensive play as he is a great receiver and running back. He ran for over 500 yards in 2025 while also catching 73 passes. He is a true dual-threat, and he should be able to help get Tampa Bay back to the postseason.
Irving is a young running back in Tampa Bay, but he has struggled with some injuries during his time in the league. He missed most of the 2025 season, and now the Buccaneers have a pretty good insurance option in Gainwell. Rachaad White, who was with Tampa Bay in 2025, is a free agent and should be considered an option to join the Steelers after Gainwell's departure.
© Charles LeClaire / Imagn Images
Former Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell runs with the football during a win over the Miami Dolphins at home in 2025.
Steelers Probably Won't Land Compensatory Pick After Losing Kenneth Gainwell
Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, this contract is probably not valuable enough to land Pittsburgh a compensatory pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Typically organizations only get those picks if a player leaves the team and earns a contract with an average annual value of $10 million, and that is not the case with Gainwell. Gainwell earned about what was expected in free agency, and it is his first big pay day in his NFL career.
What do you think about Gainwell joining the Buccaneers? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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