Kenneth Gainwell has every reason to buy a new pair of sunglasses because the running back has left the Pittsburgh Steelers for the sunny Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Gainwell’s move has shaken up Tampa Bay’s backfield,
According to Ian Rapoport in a Monday report, Gainwell is set to earn $14 million over the next two years. The investment is significant for Tampa Bay, but how much should you commit to the back in the fantasy football draft later this year? Here’s an early idea of what to expect.
Should you draft Buccaneers RB Kenneth Gainwell in 2026?
Kenneth Gainwell is heading to a backfield with Bucky Irving and Rachaad White. As such, expect a committee situation, which is bad news for fantasy football. Still, Gainwell took part in a committee situation in 2025 and became a quality fantasy football back. This time around could be the same result. Put simply, a draft pick is worthy of Gainwell’s name in 2026.
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Kenneth Gainwell fantasy outlook in 2026
The back nearly doubled his production from scrimmage in 2025 compared to any other year in his career. As such, with Bucky Irving’s production not looking anything like what it did in 2024, there’s a decent chance that Gainwell could steal the starting job from Irving at some point this season.
Expect somewhere shy of 1,000 yards if Irving stays healthy in 2026. However, if Irving’s injury troubles return, Gainwell could easily pass the 1,000-yard mark in 2026 with the ability to rush and catch the football.
Is Kenneth Gainwell a good pick in fantasy football this year?
The Buccaneers running back is a decent option this season as long as you don’t expect massive RB1-level production in September. He could be a set-and-forget option as the year drags on, but don’t expect instant success. Even if he wins the starting job, he is going to need to balance Rachaad White and Irving.
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Where should you draft Kenneth Gainwell this year?
The new Tampa Bay Buccaneers back makes a ton of sense between the third and fifth round. He isn’t worth spending a top pick on, but thrifty managers could go a long way toward winning their leagues if they get Gainwell on the cheap.
Edited by Ian Van Roy