The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a very talented and deep group of wide receivers.

Even with Mike Evans gone, the Bucs' receiver room should still be one of the team's biggest positional strengths in 2026.

The top two spots are set. As long as they remain healthy, second-year star Emeka Egbuka and seasoned veteran Chris Godwin Jr. give Tampa a strong duo at the top of the depth chart. After those two, the rest of the pecking order will be determined over the remainder of the offseason. The Bucs have several talented receivers behind Egbuka and Godwin, and the WR competition figures to be one of the most intriguing on the entire team.

So, who will win the Bucs' WR3 job in training camp?

The competition for the Bucs' pivotal WR3 role will likely be a three-headed battle between Jalen McMillan, Tez Johnson, and rookie Ted Hurst. All of them are capable receivers and each brings a different skillset to the offense.

McMillan will probably head into camp as the frontrunner for the job. As a rookie in 2024, the 24-year-old was outstanding. He finished the season on a tear, catching seven of his eight touchdowns over the final five games. Thrust into WR2 duties after Godwin went down with an injury, McMillan emerged as a dependable option for quarterback Baker Mayfield. He would end the year with 37 catches for 461 yards and eight scores.

Unfortunately, a scary neck injury suffered in the preseason last year robbed McMillan of his chance to build on his excellent rookie campaign. He was only able to return for the final four games of the 2025 season, just as Tampa was in the midst of an epic collapse.

Now healthy again, McMillan is excited to have a bigger role in Tampa's offense. His ability to run a full route tree and the fact that he already has earned Mayfield's trust make him the favorite for the WR3 job. However, he will have to fend off two other youngsters.

The injuries to receivers Evans, Godwin, and McMillan last year opened the door for Tez Johnson to see the field. The seventh-round pick from Oregon, who is also Denver Broncos' QB Bo Nix's adopted brother, took advantage of his opportunity. Johnson ended the year with 28 receptions for 322 yards and five TDs.

Although not as polished a receiver as McMillan, Johnson's ability to create separation and rack up yards after the catch makes him a candidate for more snaps this year. Since Johnson, also 24, is a small WR at only 5'10 and 165 pounds, his ability to handle the physicality of a larger role may be questioned.

Finally, Tampa used its third-round pick this year to select Georgia State WR Ted Hurst. Hurst is a big receiver, standing at 6'4 and weighing 210 pounds. His size also comes with fantastic 4.42 speed.

While a raw prospect, Hurst has explosive traits that McMillan and Johnson do not. Tampa expects the rookie to be a contributor this year. However, there may be a steep learning curve jumping from Georgia State to the NFL. Will Hurst be able to adjust to the speed of the pro game quickly enough to overtake either McMillan or Johnson on the depth chart?

The Bucs have a loaded WR room with their top two spots already set. The battle for spots 3-5 will be determined in training camp and the preseason. The trio of McMillan, Johnson, and Hurst all have enticing potential and bring something different as a receiver.

In all likelihood, all three of them will have meaningful roles in 2026. They all are talented enough to impact games in a variety of ways.

McMillan, due to his experience, should enter camp as the favorite to win the WR3 job, though he will have to perform well to earn it. 

The Bucs definitely have a group of wide receivers that is easy to get excited for in 2026. The passing game has the potential to be special this season.

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