NFL Trade Rumor: Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings linked to $12M Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back amid several injuries

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.With everybody losing hope of winning further games, Kenneth Gainwell is keeping it steady for everyone. The 27-year-old running back shared head coach Todd Bowles’ motivating message via USA TODAY:“The message definitely has been: we have to continue to do the small things. We have to continue to be a group that wants to go out there and win. Not guys that are just happy to play football on Sunday. But a group of people that want to come out here and win and like being together, man.”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. According to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could trade Kenneth Gainwell to the Minnesota Vikings or Miami Dolphins for a 2027 sixth-round pick.Buccaneers RB Kenneth Gainwell linked to Dolphins and VikingsKenneth Gainwell has not been utilized in Zac Robinson’s offense. He has just played 42 percent of the offensive snaps and recorded just 16 touches so far into the 2026 season.Back in 2025, he recorded 537 rushing yards on 114 carries with 5 rushing touchdowns, alongside 486 receiving yards on 73 receptions with 3 receiving touchdowns. In totality, 1,023 scrimmage yards and 8 touchdowns. This dual-threat running back is not being utilized by Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Zac Robinson.As per Aug. 2026 Pewter Report, Gainwell has not been utilized as much as a running back.Instead, Zac Robinson is using Gainwell as a quick, easy throwing option for short passes near the line of scrimmage rather than handing him the ball to run. This gives Bucky Irving more chances to run the ball and perform as the primary runner.The offense has also put both running backs on the field at the same time to utilize both players’ strengths, using the 21 personnel formation.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!For instance - Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings, as suggested by Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox. Now, why those? Let’s find out.Minnesota and Miami both have injured rostersThe 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.Jaylen Wright is currently managing a foot injury as well as a stinger. He did not play in Week 3. 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.As for the Minnesota Vikings? Their veteran starter, Aaron Jones Sr., is playing through a knee injury, and primary backup Jordan Mason is on injured reserve with a fractured thumb until at least Week 7. The Vikings signed RB Devin Neal on Tuesday, but he ran for just 206 yards on 57 carries as a rookie New Orleans Saint last year.Depending on a reliable player like Kenneth Gainwell, who had a remarkable report card last season, would suit Minnesota’s dream of revamping itself.The Vikings could be looking to rebuild after losing QB J.J. McCarthy to the New York Giants in a mid-season trade - a move triggered after the Giants lost Jaxson Dart to a season-ending knee injury and surgery.Kenneth Gainwell trade rumorsCategoryDetailsPlayer NameKenneth GainwellCurrent FranchiseTampa Bay BuccaneersProposed DestinationsMinnesota Vikings and Miami DolphinsContract Status2026 is the first year of his 2026 contractContract ValueHe signed a two-year, $14 million contract, including $9.83 million in guaranteed money, with an average annual income of $7 millionCap Hit and Dead Cap ValueIn 2026, he is scheduled to earn a $1.83 million base salary, a $5 million roster bonus, and a $10,200 workout bonus while carrying a $7.01 million cap hit and a $9.84 million dead cap valueYears Left On The ContractUFA [unrestricted free agent] in 2028, one year left.Career Earnings$12 million over 6 NFL seasons with the three teams [Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers].Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. 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