Gainwell signed for pass protection, but Baker's aggressive style may limit his target share.
Kenneth GainwellRBTB
Bill Simmons explains that the Buccaneers signed Kenneth Gainwell to a two-year, $14 million deal primarily to provide pass-protection support for Baker Mayfield, not necessarily to replace Bucky Irving. Gainwell won Aaron Rodgers' trust with the Eagles and Steelers because he is reliable in pass protection, which is critical for a quarterback like Mayfield who takes punishment. However, Simmons notes that Mayfield's aggressive downfield passing style is the opposite of Aaron Rodgers' conservative approach, so Gainwell may not see the same volume of targets with the Buccaneers. Gainwell averaged seven targets per game with the Steelers and was on pace for 500 receiving yards last year.
View Kenneth Gainwell 2026 fantasy football value pagePlayer profile with fantasy value, ADP, projections, news, and source-backed STACKED insightsSource transcript excerpt
I think what that money is for is so Baker Mayfield doesn't get that shit kicked out of him... Ken Gainwell did win the MVP for the Steelers for a reason. It's hard to win Aaron Rodgers' trust... Baker Mayfield, by the way, is kind of the exact opposite of that. Baker is always trying to push the ball down the field.
Common questions
Kenneth Gainwell fantasy football FAQ
- What did The Ringer Fantasy Football Show say about Kenneth Gainwell?
- Bill Simmons explains that the Buccaneers signed Kenneth Gainwell to a two-year, $14 million deal primarily to provide pass-protection support for Baker Mayfield, not necessarily to replace Bucky Irving. Gainwell won Aaron Rodgers' trust with the Eagles and Steelers because he is reliable in pass protection, which is critical for a quarterback like Mayfield who takes punishment. However, Simmons notes that Mayfield's aggressive downfield passing style is the opposite of Aaron Rodgers' conservative approach, so Gainwell may not see the same volume of targets with the Buccaneers. Gainwell averaged seven targets per game with the Steelers and was on pace for 500 receiving yards last year.
- Is this good or bad for Kenneth Gainwell's fantasy football value?
- STACKED tags this as a neutral fantasy football signal for Kenneth Gainwell (RB TB). Gainwell signed for pass protection, but Baker's aggressive style may limit his target share.
- Where can I see Kenneth Gainwell's full 2026 fantasy outlook, projections, and ADP?
- Kenneth Gainwell's complete 2026 fantasy football outlook — projections, ADP movement across every platform, injury context, and all source-backed STACKED insights — is on their STACKED player profile.
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