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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers added Kenny Gainwell this offseason because of his versatility, but one overlooked part of his game could end up making the biggest impact: His strength.
Despite standing just 5'9 and weighing around 200 pounds, Gainwell recently showed off his impressive lower-body power by squatting 495 pounds. While a weight-room number doesn't always translate directly into NFL production, it highlights the physicality and explosiveness he can bring to a Buccaneers backfield that needs more toughness in key situations. Tampa Bay's offense moved the ball effectively last season, but finishing drives was a different story. The Buccaneers struggled at times in short-yardage situations and near the goal line, failing to consistently turn red-zone opportunities into touchdowns.
Gainwell could provide a much-needed boost.
His compact frame gives him natural leverage as a runner. He runs with a low center of gravity, stays balanced through contact, and has the strength to fight for extra yards when defenses close running lanes. Those traits make him an intriguing option for third-and-short situations, goal-line packages, and late-game possessions. Gainwell also brings a different skill set compared to Tampa Bay's other backs. Bucky Irving has proven he can be a dynamic playmaker with his vision and explosiveness, while Sean Tucker brings speed and big-play ability.
Gainwell provides a physical element while also offering value as a receiver, giving offensive coordinator Zac Robinson another versatile weapon to move around the formation.
Gainwell isn't expected to replace Irving as the centerpiece of the offense. Instead, his value could come from handling the difficult situations that often decide games. For a Buccaneers team looking to improve its rushing efficiency and red zone production, Gainwell's combination of strength, versatility, and toughness could make him one of the most important additions to the offense in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Kenny Gainwell's surprising strength could fix Buccaneers weakness
Continue reading...
Despite standing just 5'9 and weighing around 200 pounds, Gainwell recently showed off his impressive lower-body power by squatting 495 pounds. While a weight-room number doesn't always translate directly into NFL production, it highlights the physicality and explosiveness he can bring to a Buccaneers backfield that needs more toughness in key situations. Tampa Bay's offense moved the ball effectively last season, but finishing drives was a different story. The Buccaneers struggled at times in short-yardage situations and near the goal line, failing to consistently turn red-zone opportunities into touchdowns.
Gainwell could provide a much-needed boost.
His compact frame gives him natural leverage as a runner. He runs with a low center of gravity, stays balanced through contact, and has the strength to fight for extra yards when defenses close running lanes. Those traits make him an intriguing option for third-and-short situations, goal-line packages, and late-game possessions. Gainwell also brings a different skill set compared to Tampa Bay's other backs. Bucky Irving has proven he can be a dynamic playmaker with his vision and explosiveness, while Sean Tucker brings speed and big-play ability.
Gainwell provides a physical element while also offering value as a receiver, giving offensive coordinator Zac Robinson another versatile weapon to move around the formation.
Gainwell isn't expected to replace Irving as the centerpiece of the offense. Instead, his value could come from handling the difficult situations that often decide games. For a Buccaneers team looking to improve its rushing efficiency and red zone production, Gainwell's combination of strength, versatility, and toughness could make him one of the most important additions to the offense in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Kenny Gainwell's surprising strength could fix Buccaneers weakness
Continue reading...
