Free-agent signing Kenneth Gainwell adds another element of pass catching out of the backfield to Tampa Bay's offense. Starting quarterback Baker Mayfield talked about how impressed he has been with his new back.
While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not make any big-name acquisitions in free agency, the front office supplemented the roster with veterans in areas of need.
On offense, Kenneth Gainwell provides another element of pass catching and speed in the backfield, giving offensive coordinator Zac Robinson another receiving threat to utilize.
Following practice on Tuesday, starting quarterback Baker Mayfield had strong praises for his new tailback, saying that he has been "completely overwhelmed" by the talent Gainwell possesses.
Mayfield talked about Gainwell's transition from being a receiver during his early college days at Memphis being one of the reasons he looks so "smooth" in his routes.
He also reads his blocks well, according to Mayfield, who called Gainwell a "leader" and someone who can help set the tone on offense.
Following a breakout campaign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Gainwell inked a two-year, $14 million deal with the Bucs in free agency.
Thus far at training camp, Robinson has been playing both Bucky Irving and Gainwell together at the same time, employing the two speedy backs against the Bucs' defense.
This look, known as a "pony package" or 21 personnel, should keep defenses on their heels and give Mayfield easy outlets out of the backfield or in the slot.
As one of the team's primary receiving threats, Gainwell hauled in a career high 73 receptions in his lone season with the Steelers and QB Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers got the ball out very quickly and frequently opted to dump it down to Gainwell, allowing the speedy back to make defenders miss in space.
While Gainwell's main job in Tampa's offense will likely be as a receiver, he also had a career year as a runner.
Gainwell's 537 rushing yards and five touchdowns were each NFL-bests, while his receiving numbers pushed him above the 1,000 total yard mark on the season.
The sixth-year back had his most productive game of the year in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings, recording 99 rushing yards on 19 carries and finding the endzone twice.
Gainwell also caught all six of his targets for an additional 35 yards, leading the Steelers to a 24-21 victory.
While he won't be featured quite as much in Tampa's balanced offensive attack, Gainwell's presence alone should help keep Irving fresher.
Robinson has also shown the tendency of playing two backs together frequently over the years with Atlanta, which makes Gainwell a seamless fit as the secondary option.
