Gainwell may eat into Irving's reception chances
Patrick Daugherty and Denny Carter look at Kenneth Gainwell getting picked up by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and what that could mean for Bucky Irving's role next season.
Video Transcript
Every off-season sign pointed toward free agent to be Rashad White leaving the Tampa Bay Bucs, Denny Carter.
He's yet to find a new home, but he will not be back in Tampa.
The question then was, would Bucky Irving get this Bucs backfield to himself?
The answer, very early in free agency, was no.
Tampa has added Kenneth Gainwell, coming off one of the quieter 1,000 yards from scrimmage seasons in the history of the NFL.
what does r- his arrival say about how this team views Bucky, a really critical fantasy player last year, who in it-- unfortunately, was a really critical bust?
Yes, on many of my teams, as folks who listen to the Road to Royal Football Show know well.
Kenny Gainwell is trusted by coaches, and we have to remember that the coaches love him as a blocker, as a third down back.
I, I think Bucky Irving will remain the primary, first and second down back.
But we want those receptions, and I don't know if we're going to get a lot of those from Bucky Irving in 2026 as long as Kenny Gainwell is around and healthy.
Gainwell was top five in both targets and receptions among running backs last season.
the Bucs had the fifth most completions, to running backs last year, so there is something to work with there.
Bucky Irving, I should say, for the Bucky Irving folks out there, was really efficient as a pass catcher last season.
So he's not bad.
Th-this is not to say he's bad, but the role seems to be Gainwell's for now.
Yeah.
Coaches love Kenneth Gainwell.
Coaches might have lost a little trust in Bucky Irving last year in 2025 in Tampa.
So fascinating situation as usual in this Bucs backfield.
We'll keep you updated on it all off-season long.
