NFL Trade Rumor: Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings linked to $12M Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back (Image via Pinterest: Minnesota Vikings logo and Tampa Bay Buccaneers logo)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost their [almost?] franchise quarterback, Baker Mayfield, to a thumb dislocation injury in their Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The Buccaneers could trade Kenneth Gainwell to the Minnesota Vikings or Miami Dolphins for a 2027 sixth-round pick, according to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox. The Miami Dolphins urgently need running back depth as they lost their starter, De’Von Achane, to a season-ending knee injury suffered in a Week 3 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He did not play in Week 3.
Despite keeping his team steady in the absence of their star QB, running back Kenneth Gainwell is being linked to other teams in a unique trade scenario. Now, this makes him an RB2 in Tampa Bay. When a dual-threat running back is not getting utilized to his full potential, one that is already double [wide receiver ability], then that player could be best suited for some other NFL team, definitely requiring some receiving corps help! Jaylen Wright is currently managing a foot injury as well as a stinger. He is being viewed as day-to-day. His availability is uncertain for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. Ollie Gordon II may be expected to take up the primary role, but he is too dealing with minor physical ailments. As per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, “Gordon and Wright will share the load in the short term, and Wright is expected to return from injury this week. One of the two could emerge over the next few weeks, but for now Miami plans to use both. Wright has big-play potential, while Gordon projects as more of an every-down back. The Dolphins have two backs on the practice squad: Jarquez Hunter and Carlos Washington Jr. It would make immense sense to rely on an elite all-purpose weapon like Kenneth Gainwell.