Star quarterback Baker Mayfield admitted that one of his teammates has "completely overwhelmed" him after seeing his abilities during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practices. This offseason, the Bucs signed running back Kenneth Gainwell to a one-year, $14 million contract to help out in the backfield. Based on Baker's assessment from training camp, he's been quite impressed by what he's seen.
"He's much more than a gadget guy. I've just been completely overwhelmed with how talented he is. I didn't know until later in the training camp .... he was a receiver going into college," Mayfield said.
He stays true to his tracks and reads his blocks really, really well. "I thought he was a huge addition for us," the Bucs quarterback said, giving Gainwell high praise and calling him a "veteran presence" in the locker room who "leads by example." More news: Packers’ Matt LaFleur Gives Encouraging Josh Jacobs Injury Update Gainwell spent the first four seasons of his NFL career as a star running back in the Philadelphia Eagles' offense. During that time, he was part of the roster during the team's Super Bowl LIX victory.
He made a team change but stayed in-state last season, joining the Pittsburgh Steelers. Gainwell participated in 17 games, but started just two. His season featured 537 rushing yards and five touchdowns as he was RB2 behind Jaylen Warren.
And as Mayfield mentioned, Gainwell brings an additional weapon to throw to on the field. With the Steelers, he tied with tight end Pat Freiermuth for the second-most receiving yards with 486. He also scored three touchdowns, so don't be surprised to see him catching a few from Mayfield in the coming season.
With the Buccaneers, he'll again come in as a backup, this time for starting back Bucky Irving, as Tampa Bay looks to improve this season after last year's 8-9 record and failing to make the playoffs. Irving only played in 10 games last season due to several injuries in the first five weeks, keeping him out until Week 13. Gainwell didn't play in the team's first NFL preseason game, but neither did Mayfield.
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