Kenneth Gainwell appreciates his one-year stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers. But if he had it his way, he would’ve been in Tampa Bay a year earlier. Speaking to reporters during his introductory press conference after signing a two-year deal with the Buccaneers, Gainwell wanted to fly south last offseason.
“It was a great option for me,” Gainwell told reporters via Tampa Bay’s YouTube channel Thursday afternoon. “I wanted to be here last year, but I’m happy to be here now.”
Gainwell didn’t expound on why he didn’t sign with Tampa Bay in 2025. Presumably, the Buccaneers didn’t make an offer. Instead, Pittsburgh signed him on a cheap, one-year deal. Gainwell turned in a career year, leading the Steelers with 73 receptions and over 1,000 yards from scrimmage. He returned and covered kicks, too. His well-rounded game made him team MVP.
He reunites with special teams coordinator Danny Smith and S Miles Killebrew, who reportedly just inked a one-year deal with the Buccaneers.
Gainwell praised Pittsburgh for using him and fellow running back Jaylen Warren well.
“They put us in great situations for us to both to succeed as a running back,” he said of his year with the Steelers.” [Warren] had a thousand rushing. I had a thousand all-purpose. They both gave us a great situation to go out and be successful.”
The two became a strong one-two pairing and one of just a handful of Pittsburgh teammates to post 1,000 yards in the same year. Now, Warren will look to do the same with Rico Dowdle, who will sign as Gainwell’s replacement.
A Mississippi native who played his college ball at Memphis, returning to the South is welcome for Gainwell, who spent the last five years in the Keystone State.
“I’m happy I’m away from it right now,” he said with a smile. “Hey, we’ll love this heat too. But at the same time that Pennsylvania cold man, I’m happy I’m from [down] here.”
Tampa Bay noticed Gainwell this time around. The Buccaneers inked him to a $14 million contract, the biggest payday of his career. Gainwell’s overcome long odds to reach this point. Sitting out the COVID year in college after several family members died from the virus. An undersized mid-round selection. Saquon Barkley’s forgotten backup and afterthought 2025 signing.
Gainwell’s not forgotten anymore. He’ll share a key role alongside Bucky Irving in Tampa Bay’s backfield for a Buccaneers team trying to win its fifth-straight NFC South crown.
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