Kenneth Gainwell: Everything you need to know

Gainwell is signing a two-year, $14 million contract with the Buccaneers on Monday, NFL reporter Jordan Schultz reports. Gainwell's contract reportedly includes $10 million in guarantees, positioning him as the clear No. 2 backfield option alongside Bucky Irving and foreshadowing the departure of Rachaad White from Tampa Bay in free agency and potentially also Sean Tucker. After the versatility and efficiency Gainwell demonstrated during his career year with the Steelers in 2025 in which he emerged as one of the most productive pass-catching backs in the NFL with a 73-486-3 line on 85 targets, he projects as an ideal complement to Irving's physical, bruising rushing style. Gainwell also logged 537 yards and five touchdowns on 147 carries (4.7 YPC) across his 17 regular-season appearances in 2025. Especially in fantasy formats that feature PPR scoring, Gainwell's landing spot is one with a solid floor and the potential for increased touchdown upside.

Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan said Tuesday that the team has been in communication with Gainwell, an impending free agent, and hopes to re-sign him for the 2026 season, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports. Gainwell earned internal team MVP honors after playing out the 2025 campaign on a one-year deal with the Steelers and totaling a career-best 537 rushing yards and five touchdowns (147 carries) while suiting up for all 17 regular-season games. He added a career-high 73 catches for 486 yards (85 targets) and another three scores through the air. Given the versatility and efficiency Gainwell demonstrated in 2025, it will be no surprise if Pittsburgh indeed prioritizes inking him to an extension before he hits unrestricted free agency. Jaylen Warren remains under contract through the 2027 campaign, though the Steelers have a potential 'out' in his contract this offseason.

Gainwell rushed six times for 20 yards and brought in four of six targets for 26 yards in the Steelers' 30-6 wild-card loss to the Texans on Monday night. He also returned four kickoffs for 100 yards. Gainwell filled a complementary role on the ground, logging half the amount of carries as Jaylen Warren. The versatile Gainwell also had a key role in the passing game, recording a team-high reception tally while also tying for the lead in targets. He made his presence felt on kickoff returns as well, following up what was a successful Steelers debut campaign. The veteran rushed for a career-best 537 yards and career-high-tying five touchdowns at 4.7 yards per carry, adding a career-best 73-486-3 line on 85 targets, 633 kickoff-return yards and two fumbles (one lost) across 17 games. While Gainwell played 2025 on a one-year deal, his success could lead to the Steelers making an effort to retain him before he hits unrestricted free agency.