Will Tampa's new offensive coordinator, Zac Robinson, be able to turn either Emeka Egbuka or Chris Godwin Jr. into a true number one receiver? Or will the Bucs' offense be without a "go-to guy" in the wake of Mike Evans' departure?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a lot of big changes over the offseason.
Their defensive front seven went through a massive overhaul. The Bucs brought in free agents Alex Anzalone, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and A'Shawn Robinson, while using their first two draft picks on Rueben Bain Jr. and Josiah Trotter. Those five additions will all play major roles for the defense in 2026.
The Bucs also lost two of their most important players in free agency: wide receiver Mike Evans and cornerback Jamel Dean.
However, one of Tampa's most impactful changes was made on the sidelines, replacing offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard with former Atlanta Falcons OC Zac Robinson.
How Robinson performs will go a long way in determining how successful the Bucs can be this year. He has already been named Tampa's "most intriguing newcomer" for 2026.
The Bucs are one of a shocking 21 teams with a new offensive coordinator this season. Mike Jones of The Athletic named the biggest challenge each new play-caller will face in 2026.
His choice for Robinson is a bit surprising.
No Number 1 Receiver?
Jones believes Robinson will have to navigate his first season as Tampa's OC without the benefit of a number 1 wide receiver.
Can his attack thrive without a true No. 1 wide receiver?
"Robinson helped revive Baker Mayfield’s career during Mayfield’s brief stint with the Rams (2022), so Robinson and the Bucs’ QB have a rapport already. But Tampa Bay’s offense has a big hole to fill with Mike Evans now in San Francisco. At 30, Chris Godwin owns the distinction of position room leader. But injuries have diminished his impact the past two seasons. Emeka Egbuka delivered an impressive rookie season, and fellow young targets Jalen McMillan and Tez Johnson seemingly have much to offer. Rookie Ted Hurst III aims to force his way into the mix as well. Robinson has said his goal involves spreading the ball around, but Mayfield certainly needs a go-to guy."
There is no denying that Evans' departure will hurt, but it's not like he left the Bucs with a bare cupboard at WR.
Egbuka, Tampa's first-round pick in 2025, showed a ton of promise as a rookie. Despite his late-season struggles, he still managed to finish the year with 63 catches, 938 yards, and six touchdowns.
If the reasons for Egbuka's slump are behind him, as general manager Jason Licht expects, the talented 23-year-old could easily step into Evans' WR1 role.
Until he does, Tampa can rely on Godwin to be its top option. Godwin, who has struggled to stay on the field over the last two seasons, had recorded over 1,000 receiving yards in four of his previous seasons. If he can stay healthy, Godwin is one of the league's best route-runners and most reliable receivers.
While Jones believes the Bucs and Mayfield are without a "go-to guy," I believe Tampa has two. The question is which one will become the Bucs' top option.
Final Thoughts
While Robinson will undoubtedly have many challenges as Tampa's OC in 2026, I don't believe the lack of a top WR is one of them. If Godwin remains healthy, the Bucs' WR room looks formidable and deep.
Egbuka has the talent to become Tampa's top receiver, while Godwin has the experience and has proven to be in the past.
I believe Robinson's biggest challenge this season will be whether or not Tampa can avoid the multitude of injuries that derailed the Bucs' offense in 2025.
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