Following a standout rookie campaign, Oregon product Tez Johnson brings raw speed and a pure passion for football to a revamped Tampa Bay receiving corps eyeing explosive growth.
Although losing Mike Evans in free agency will be an adjustment for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the front office has drafted young receiver talent to build around going forward.
In the past two drafts, the Bucs added Emeka Egbuka, Tez Johnson, and Ted Hurst - three players who should get opportunities to shine this upcoming season.
Johnson, who was one of the more unheralded rookies from the 2025 NFL Draft, had a great freshman campaign in Tampa.
On Sunday, he talked about his love for the game and appreciation for his opportunity going forward.
"I tell people all the time, 'If they take all the money away, I’d still play football,'" Johnson said. "I just love the game."
The former All-Big Ten Second Team performer at Oregon finished the year with 28 receptions for 322 yards and five touchdowns, showing significant growth throughout the year.
After just three targets and no receptions in the Bucs' first three games of the season, Johnson stepped into a larger role and made an instant impact.
Following his slow start, Johnson recorded five straight games with 40 or more receiving yards, adding four touchdowns during this span.
Against the New England Patriots, Johnson found the end zone twice, hauling in four catches for 42 yards.
Johnson's speed and deep-play ability can make him a key piece of Tampa's offensive personnel going forward, especially after the Evans' departure.
At OTAs, Johnson once agains turnt heads, with ESPN's NFL Nation tagging him as the Bucs' most surprising performer.
"Maybe this won't shock a lot of people considering Johnson was pressed into action extensively last year in his rookie season and had five touchdowns, but in arguably the most competitive room on the team, Johnson stood out," ESPN's Jenna Laine wrote. "He had two touchdown catches from Jake Browning in their final practice and caught several others."
Johnson's comments display what kind of teammate he is as well, as former collegiate running mate Bucky Irving talked about their relationship in May of last year.
"Tez used to always say when he would be watching my games or anything like that, he would say, 'Bro, I want to come down with you to Tampa.' Then it happened, so I guess he got what he wanted."
Going forward, Johnson will continue to need to impress in one of Tampa's deepest rooms on the team, as he will battle for WR3/4 snaps with Jalen McMillan and Hurst.
With newly hired offensive coordinator Zac Robinson calling the plays, expect Johnson to be featured as a swing pass/screen guy, as the former Atlanta Falcons play caller loves to get speed in open space.
As one of starting quarterback Baker Mayfield's go-to targets down the stretch of last season, Johnson should see similar targets entering a pivotal contract season for the Bucs' gunslinger.
