May 23, 2026, 4:13 PM ET

Kenneth Gainwell assembled the most prolific numbers of his career during 2025 and is now primed to seize a sizable role in Tampa Bay's reconstructed backfield. Gainwell easily exceeded expectations while delivering career-best numbers in attempts (114/6.7 per game), rushing yards (537/31.6 per game), targets (85/5.0 per game), and receiving yards (486/28.6 per game). Gainwell also secured a career high 50% snap share and finished as an RB1 during seven matchups. Gainwell also finished second among all backs in targets (51/6.4 per game), receptions (44/5.5 per game), and receiving yards (262/45.4 per game) from Weeks 11-18, and led his position in yards per route run (1.95). Gainwell's performance also propelled him to a two-year, $14 million contract with Tampa Bay. This will infuse Gainwell into a depth chart that also contains Bucky Irving, who will operate as the Buccaneers' lead back. However, Gainwell's presence should prevent Irving from functioning as a workhorse. Irving was sidelined during seven contests last season (foot/shoulder), and his averages in yards per attempt (3.4) and yards after contact per attempt (1.6) were uninspiring. Gainwell's versatility should propel him to a weekly allotment of carries while maintaining a role as Tampa Bay's primary receiving weapon from the backfield. Gainwell's proven ability to capitalize on those opportunities should also sustain his standalone value. Gainwell also remains capable of approaching RB1 production if Irving is forced to the sideline. That justifies targeting Gainwell at his Round 9 ADP in best ball leagues (108/RB37), along with his Round 11 ADP in dynasty startups (121/RB41).--Phil Clark