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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers boast one of the NFL’s most exciting wide receiver groups heading into the 2025 season. With a mix of All-Pro veterans, emerging and young talent, the Bucs’ receiver room is both deep and strategically built for now and the future. General Manager Jason Licht’s bold draft moves and savvy contract management have created a unit that’s a nightmare for opposing defenses, while keeping the salary cap in check.
At the top, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin form one of the league’s most dynamic duos. Evans, 32, is in the final year of a two-year, $41 million deal, carrying a $21 million cap hit in 2025. His 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons and physicality make him a a true superstar, though his age and contract status raise questions about his long-term future. Godwin, 29, signed a three-year, $66 million extension in March 2025, with $44 million guaranteed and a $22 million cap hit. His versatility in the slot and reliability with four 1,000-yard seasons, confirm his value, though a 2024 ankle injury adds slight uncertainty. The Bucs hold a club option on Godwin for 2027, offering flexibility.
The addition of first-round pick Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka (No. 19 overall, 2025) hints at a future-thinking approach. Egbuka, on a four-year rookie deal (with a fifth year option) worth approximately $10.6 million, brings Godwin-like slot skills and polish. While his immediate role may be limited behind Evans and Godwin, his selection ensures a seamless transition if either veteran departs or becomes injured. Egbuka’s value lies in his high ceiling and cost-controlled contract.
Jalen McMillan, a 2024 third-rounder out of Washington, emerged as one of the biggest steals in his rookie year, posting 37 catches, 461 yards, and eight touchdowns. On a four-year, $5.6 million rookie contract, McMillan’s $1 million cap hit in 2025 is a bargain for his downfield threat and growing chemistry with Baker Mayfield. His eight touchdown grabs ranked second among 2024 rookies, and he’s poised to compete for a larger role, making him a high-value asset.
The depth doesn’t stop there. Seventh-round pick Tez Johnson (No. 235, 2025), sitting on a rookie minimum deal, adds electric speed and punt-return ability. His cap hit and potential as a gadget player make him a low-risk, high-reward addition.
Veterans like Sterling Shepard ($1.75 million, one-year deal) and Trey Palmer (rookie contract, $1.074M hit) provide reliable depth, with Shepard’s 334 yards in 2024 and Palmer’s speed offering situational upside. Rakim Jarrett, Ryan Miller, Dennis Houston, Kameren Johnson and undrafted free agent Will Sheppard round out a crowded room, likely battling for practice squad spots.
With only six receivers likely to make the 53-man roster, competition will be fierce. The Bucs’ receiver corps combines elite production (Evans, Godwin), cost-effective youth (McMillan, Egbuka, Johnson), and veteran depth, all while managing cap space wisely. This group isn’t just deep—it’s a fantastic blueprint in roster building, ready to keep Tampa’s offense among the NFL’s best.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Does Tampa Bay have one of the best built wide receiving corps?
Continue reading...
At the top, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin form one of the league’s most dynamic duos. Evans, 32, is in the final year of a two-year, $41 million deal, carrying a $21 million cap hit in 2025. His 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons and physicality make him a a true superstar, though his age and contract status raise questions about his long-term future. Godwin, 29, signed a three-year, $66 million extension in March 2025, with $44 million guaranteed and a $22 million cap hit. His versatility in the slot and reliability with four 1,000-yard seasons, confirm his value, though a 2024 ankle injury adds slight uncertainty. The Bucs hold a club option on Godwin for 2027, offering flexibility.
The addition of first-round pick Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka (No. 19 overall, 2025) hints at a future-thinking approach. Egbuka, on a four-year rookie deal (with a fifth year option) worth approximately $10.6 million, brings Godwin-like slot skills and polish. While his immediate role may be limited behind Evans and Godwin, his selection ensures a seamless transition if either veteran departs or becomes injured. Egbuka’s value lies in his high ceiling and cost-controlled contract.
Jalen McMillan, a 2024 third-rounder out of Washington, emerged as one of the biggest steals in his rookie year, posting 37 catches, 461 yards, and eight touchdowns. On a four-year, $5.6 million rookie contract, McMillan’s $1 million cap hit in 2025 is a bargain for his downfield threat and growing chemistry with Baker Mayfield. His eight touchdown grabs ranked second among 2024 rookies, and he’s poised to compete for a larger role, making him a high-value asset.
The depth doesn’t stop there. Seventh-round pick Tez Johnson (No. 235, 2025), sitting on a rookie minimum deal, adds electric speed and punt-return ability. His cap hit and potential as a gadget player make him a low-risk, high-reward addition.
Veterans like Sterling Shepard ($1.75 million, one-year deal) and Trey Palmer (rookie contract, $1.074M hit) provide reliable depth, with Shepard’s 334 yards in 2024 and Palmer’s speed offering situational upside. Rakim Jarrett, Ryan Miller, Dennis Houston, Kameren Johnson and undrafted free agent Will Sheppard round out a crowded room, likely battling for practice squad spots.
With only six receivers likely to make the 53-man roster, competition will be fierce. The Bucs’ receiver corps combines elite production (Evans, Godwin), cost-effective youth (McMillan, Egbuka, Johnson), and veteran depth, all while managing cap space wisely. This group isn’t just deep—it’s a fantastic blueprint in roster building, ready to keep Tampa’s offense among the NFL’s best.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Does Tampa Bay have one of the best built wide receiving corps?
Continue reading...
