With Mike Evans gone, rookie standout Emeka Egbuka and a healthy Chris Godwin lead a revamped corps fighting for targets as Tampa Bay’s next era of playmakers emerges.
One of the goals during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offseason program is figuring out a way to internally replace star wide receiver Mike Evans, who recently signed a three-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers.
They have a bit of a revamped wide receiver room going to mini camp.
Emeka Egbuka
Bucs wide receiver Emeka Egbuka was drafted by Tampa Bay with the 19th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. Egbuka made an immediate impact in his rookie season, recording 63 catches for 938 yards and six touchdowns. Egbuka was second in receiving yards among rookies in 2025. Egbuka is a very good route runner, creating separation from opposing defensive backs. Egbuka has the talent to be the number one receiver in Tampa going forward.
Chris Godwin Jr
Chris Godwin Jr. is going into year 10 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has been stepping into a leadership role, he told reporters. Godwin primarily plays in the slot and can do a lot of the gritty work, such as blocking inside and on the perimeter. Godwin has dealt with injuries the last two seasons, but is healthy throughout OTAs. In 2025, Godwin had 33 receptions for 360 yards and two touchdowns in nine games played.
Ted Hurst
The Buccaneers drafted Ted Hurst in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft out of Georgia State. At 6 foot 4, 206 pounds, running a 4.42, Hurst has good athletic traits and can step into the X receiver role, replacing Mike Evans. Hurst had 71 catches for 1,004 yards and six touchdowns.
Jalen McMillan
Jalen McMillan didn't see the field much in 2025 due to a neck injury in the preseason. McMillan returned in Week 15 against the Las Vegas Raiders but only had two catches for 38 yards. But in Week 17, McMillan logged seven catches for 114 yards. McMillan is healthy going into the rest of OTAs and can be a key contributor.
Tez Johnson
Tez Johnson is a bit undersized at 5 feet 9, 165 pounds, but his route running is exceptional. Johnson was productive in his role last season, catching 28 passes for 322 yards and five touchdowns. Johnson is versatile as well, lining up in the slot and even carrying the ball seven times for 22 yards last year.
Kam Johnson
With the wideouts that the Buccaneers have, Kam Johnson didn't see the field offensively much in 2025, but he did catch four passes on seven targets and a touchdown. Kam Johnson is key for the Bucs special teams unit, accumulating 685 kick return yards and 291 punt return yards last season.
The Buccaneers have a lot of depth and talent in the wide receiver room, and with Evans going to the 49ers, their receivers have a chance to step up and get more opportunities. The Buccaneers' receivers room earns a B- grade.
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