Baker Mayfield Hails New Buccaneers Running Back Kenneth Gainwell

Quarterback Baker Mayfield said that running back Kenneth Gainwell “completely overwhelmed” him during Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp. Mayfield praised Gainwell’s versatility, noting his ability to line up as a receiver and his strong run-blocking reads.

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Gainwell entered the 2024 offseason on a one-year, $14 million contract with the Buccaneers. He spent his first four NFL seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, contributing to the team’s Super Bowl LIX victory. After a 2023 stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers—where he appeared in 17 games (two starts), recorded 537 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns, 486 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns—he joined Tampa Bay as a backup to starter Bucky Irving.

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• Contract: one year, $14 million (reported).

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• 2023 with Steelers: 537 rushing yards, 5 rushing TDs; 486 receiving yards, 3 receiving TDs (reported).

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• Expected role: backup to Bucky Irving, who played 10 games last season due to injuries (reported).

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Head coach Todd Bowles confirmed that Mayfield will take part in the Buccaneers’ upcoming preseason game. The coach’s announcement underscores the quarterback’s involvement in evaluating the new backfield configuration ahead of the regular season.

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• “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,” — Baker Mayfield — Baker Mayfield, quarterback

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The quarterback’s remarks and the coach’s preseason-game plan highlight the Buccaneers’ optimism that Gainwell’s multifaceted skill set will bolster Tampa Bay’s offense after an 8-9 record and a missed playoff berth last season.

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