The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have quietly upgraded their return game this offseason, and according to special teams coordinator Danny Smith, running back Kenneth Gainwell fully intends to make sure he stays involved in it. Speaking recently about Gainwell’s mentality and approach, Smith joked that the veteran running back would “fight him” if he tried taking him off special teams duties.
Gainwell arrives in Tampa Bay already with experience as both a running back and a return option, which immediately gives the Buccaneers more versatility in how they structure special teams packages. If Gainwell becomes involved as a primary kick or punt returner, Tampa Bay’s return game could take on a much more explosive identity in 2026. Gainwell’s quick acceleration, vision in space, and lateral agility make him particularly dangerous once he gets into open field situations.
Unlike larger downhill runners, such as Sean Tucker last season, he thrives on making defenders miss in tight spaces and quickly turning small creases into chunk gains.
If he locks down return duties, it could also create more roster flexibility elsewhere. Players often make the back end of NFL rosters based largely on special teams value, and having a trusted offensive contributor capable of handling return responsibilities could allow Tampa Bay to allocate additional roster spots to depth at other positions.
If Danny Smith’s comments are any indication, Gainwell has no plans of quietly stepping away from special teams responsibilities anytime soon.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs’ Kenneth Gainwell and Danny Smith could be a special teams duo
Reporting by Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
