Baker Mayfield On Bucs’ Wide Receiver Room
June 8th, 2026
Baker Mayfield is confident Chris Godwin and Emeka Egbuka will rise up.
Joe doesn’t believe there is one Bucs fan happy that Mike Evans sprinted out of One Buc Palace like the place was on fire and into the open arms of Kyle Shanahan, John Lynch and the 49ers.
Baker Mayfield is bummed out, too, as he confessed last week when he spoke at his youth football camp inside the Glazer Shed.
But Mayfield reassured fans: Don’t worry, the Bucs still have Chris Godwin, as Michael Baca of NFL.com pointed out.
“[Evans gone] allows Chris to step up — he’s always been an unbelievable leader — but for him to really take charge of that room,” Mayfield said. “With all the injuries we had, a lot of guys played last year. So to also have [Jalen McMillan], Chris, Emeka, really, really healthy right now, feeling good, to lead those guys and just to watch the steps that they’re taking from Year 1 to Year 2 when it comes to Mek and Tez [Johnson], and watching them help [rookie] Ted Hurst out as well.”
After hearing Jalen McMillan recently, Joe senses Godwin has already stepped forward as the lion in the wide receiver room. Not like he hasn’t been before, but now, there’s no question “Unc” dominates the wide receiver group.
“There’s a lot of weapons in that room,” Mayfield said. “So when you lose a guy like [Evans], you’ve got to have a lot of people to fill those shoes, not just one person, and we have that.”
Yes, the Bucs have an underrated wide receiver group that saw guys like Tez Johnson last year get a lot of snaps and targets that you don’t expected from a seventh-round pick. But Tez did because of so many injuries.
The Bucs could be as fine as a team could be after losing a Hall of Fame receiver.
June 8th, 2026 at 5:24 am
Evans is one of my favorite Buccaneers ever, but i have to say i am ‘glad’ he’s gone. Super excited to see Godwin lead this group, no diva’s. Evans turned into one last year, he wasn’t a teamplayer any more.
June 8th, 2026 at 5:55 am
Why would Mike Evans want to stay and play for Todd Bowles? Bowles will NEVER win or even get to a Super Bowl. Evans understood that. He has 2 years left before he retires. Why would he want to stay in Tampa. He doesn’t need the money. It’s the “third and 28” that convinced him another Super Bowl under Bowles is never going to happen.!!!
June 8th, 2026 at 6:31 am
It’s WR#1 by committee. Mayfield has to take what the defense gives him and hit the open guy.
June 8th, 2026 at 6:56 am
Why bother with this season, we all see what’s happening.
June 8th, 2026 at 7:19 am
Wrong Joe, I’m a Buc fan who’s glad both Evans, and David are gone. It was time for new blood. Our so called leaders, Evans, and David lead us to an 8-9, 9-8 record the last two seasons. Looking forward to watching Hurst take Evans place, and Anzalone take David’s. We’re better off.
June 8th, 2026 at 7:24 am
I’m not “happy” Evans is gone but I’m OK with it.
He only had 370 yards receiving last season. The Bucs should be able to replace that production fairly easily…
Welcome to the NFL.
June 8th, 2026 at 7:46 am
Receiver might be the position that I worry about the least this year.
June 8th, 2026 at 7:47 am
Boy will he be kissing their backside’s! The O line too! Not kidding. But I gotta say, SO WOULD I IF I WERE HIM! ESPECIALLY this time around it’s MORE THAN a smart thing to do for Baker Mayfield. BIG TIME!
I’d take PARTICULAR INTEREST in the development of the receivers. Boy would I put in the extra effort and time with those guys! If / when Chris goes down I can envision them particularly nervous. So “CONFIDENCE IS EVERYTHING” between Baker and the fresh receivers. They are ALL pretty much new and UNTESTED! Except “maybe” McMillan. Without a leader around (Chris Godwin), it’ll be a crap show FOR US ALL! Let’s pray Chris stays strong and in one peice all season for a change..
In my view, we “ARE NOT SET” in the receiving department and should consider bringing in another vet ESPECIALLY for “leadership” purposes… I know we’re busy tooting our horn but we BETTER BE CAREFUL because it truly feels like if Chris goes out, the Emperor Will Have NO CLOTHS….
June 8th, 2026 at 8:03 am
The Bucs have a bunch of 1A and #2 WRs. All with the same skillset. No really tall WRs and no really fast WRs. Plus Mike’s HoF catch radius is gone so Baker will struggle. Hell, he struggled getting Mike ball when was here which lead to Mike leaving. Baker will have to magically improve his accuracy to hit these WRs with a smaller catch radius.
Prepare to see more of the same…high fast balls, underthrows that lead to picks and batted balls. You know what we see at OTAs, training camp and during the season. Thats the only thing Baker is consistent at.
June 8th, 2026 at 8:06 am
I’m gonna remind everybody of a funny little truth. ONLY McMillan had “a little” time to learn and get used to the speed of the NFL “with” a leader around! (Mike Evans) The rest haven’t had ANY TIME WITH that level of leadership and confidence that Mike offered as a GUARANTEED hall of fame and the undisputed #1…. except Chris.
Chris has been out FOR YEARS accumulated and THAT’S VERY current….. HE’S BEEN GONE! And he hasn’t been exactly dominating ANYTHING since he got hack “last year”
I’m a little surprised how confident a bunch of you are with ALL of our receivers as either GREEN OR BROKEN as they are and have been! ESPECIALLY WITHOUT A TRUE #1leader to strut around and emulate.
O well, hope you guys are right about not having A HALL OF FAMER ON OUR SIDELINES TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE AND CONFIDENCE THAT THESE GUYS SIMPLY DON’T HAVE NOW THAT BOWLES HAS DISGUSTED “HALL OF FAMER MIKE EVANS” OUT OF THE DOOR!
I for one DON’T SEE IT! But hey, whatever helps you sleep at night…..
June 8th, 2026 at 8:24 am
Btw, it’s “No Less than comical” to read some of your write ups concerning (I’m going with one side of the ball right now) Mike Evans. THERE ARE SOME REALLY SUPER SHORT MEMORIES GOING ON AROUND HERE! WOW!
What ARE YOU talking about??? Did you think it was a FANTASY that Mike Evens “TOOK” OVER 1000 YARDS EVERY YEAR FOR OVER A DECADE? Who the H311 are you guys trying to convince otherwise?? O wait…. you’re trying to sucker the newbies! Got it.
Sorry, please, continue on with your delusion campaign. O yeah. SURE YOU’RE RIGHT. Of course we Don’t NEED a Phenomenon such as Mike Evans. DUH!
June 8th, 2026 at 8:30 am
Bee Says:
The Bucs have a bunch of 1A and #2 WRs. All with the same skillset.
==============================================
They do NOT all have the same skill set.
Apparently, you’ve been following some team other than the Bucs, but were confused, thinking they were the Bucs. 😉
You may want to talk to your doctor about this.
June 8th, 2026 at 8:48 am
@ obvious
“Of course we Don’t NEED a Phenomenon such as Mike Evans. DUH!”
You are 100% correct.
Mike Evans WAS an amazing NFL WR for a decade or so…
However – 2026 ME13 = 2022 Julio Jones.
Sorry pal.
It is what it is…
June 8th, 2026 at 8:56 am
BFS96
The explain how each WR is different then. Not one Bucs WR is dynamic in any way. They’re good but not game changers. Who does opposing defenses have to gameplan to stop like Evans? Whos the redzone threat? Whos the deep downfield threat? Whos the burner with great hands?
June 8th, 2026 at 9:26 am
@ Bee
ME13 was a once in a generation talent. He will never be replaced.
The rest of the NFL is stuck in the same conundrum…
I really wanted the Bucs to upgrade the TE position this off-season but their response was a “shoulder shrug” as they drafted a TE in the 6th round that was @ prospect #280 or whatever.
OK.
It’s now up to our new OC to use his current weapons to the best of his (and their) abilities.
My fingers are crossed amigo.
June 8th, 2026 at 9:36 am
Sure Marine,
You just tell that to the kids everybody is so sure is gonna be awesome! Let’s see..
Chris, probably breaks
McMillan Our best chance so I’m good with him
Ebuka Vanished! Talks about his third grade teacher telling him he’s going to be the president one day. “Delusional” yet vanishes when we needed him the most. In fact, he wasn’t a number 1 in college and he’s GREEN now… And NOT A PROVEN ANYTHING (Except that he WILL vanish when you need him the most, “So far”)
Hurst.. “GREEN AS GRASS” Do you see the look on that kids face? HE’S TERRIFIED!
Well see soon enough but if you’re Dreaming these are a bunch of proven, “BEEN THERE THROUGH THE FIRE”, Then you’re TRIPPIN!
Chris IS the leader. HOPEFULLY he can STILL take the BEAT DOWN that IS coming. (Please lord, protect Chris)
McMillan IS the other adult in the room and I believe he CAN BE very special. He wants it and my highest hopes are with him.
Ebuka, obviously still a child (just ask his third grade teacher) and I’m SERIOUSLY UNIMPRESSED with his vanishing act. And when these MEN start to KICK THE CRAP OUT OF HIM, so far he’s PROVEN he WILL run away. SURE COULD use Mike Evans to teach him HOW TO BE A MAN! He wasn’t a number one for a reason (though I WILL SAY he’s GOT POTENTIAL and I’m HOPEFUL HIS BALLS DROP!)
Tez third forth string no matter for A WHILE AT LEAST
Hurst?????? Who knows. As of now. Not ONE SNAP in the big boys game and it’s ridiculous to expect he’s Mike Freaking Evans! Wake Up, Grow Up, GET REAL..(though I’m a STRONG BELIEVER in you either have IT or you don’t)
But… no matter THIS receiving cor doesn’t scream unstoppable! It “suggests…. maybe” at best. WE DON’T HAVE ONE #1 AT THIS TIME!
Sorry bud but THAT’S REAL!
June 8th, 2026 at 9:39 am
And btw, I’m not mad at you or anybody else. The REASON we’re SO SCREWED “IS WHY” I’M ABSOLUTELY P@@@@@@@@SD!
June 8th, 2026 at 9:50 am
@Bee,
I couldn’t disagree with you more than I already do about your assertions that:
1)The WRs all have the same skill set.
2) Not one WR is dynamic in any way. They’re good but not game-changers.
Your entire post and all your questions can be answered with a long response, one I don’t have time for right now. But I took a screenshot of your post and may respond to it when I do have more time.
June 8th, 2026 at 10:00 am
@ marine
I concur. I’m still upset my favorite player left my favorite team but thats life. And I’m right there with you about TE. I dont think there’s an NFL caliber TE on the roster. Theres so many holes on this team Licht is playing Twister to cover em all up.
Keep those fingers crossed my guy…
June 8th, 2026 at 10:09 am
Marine Buc Says:
ME13 was a once in a generation talent. He will never be replaced.
==================================================
While that IS true, Ted Hurst is a true X receiver. He’s pretty raw and needs development, so I don’t know how much impact he’ll have during his rookie season, but his ceiling is very high. His catch radius isn’t as large as Evans’, but he’s a little bit faster, is great at tracking the ball, and making contested catches. If he’s coachable and can become a good route runner, he’s going to be a huge problem for defensive coordinators. Bowles said that Hurst doesn’t make the same mistake twice. IF that is true, it’s a good sign!
June 8th, 2026 at 10:22 am
With this group of pass catchers ( and Godwin Will make sure they’re dogged blockers also), and Mayfield and his OLine getting in rythm, oh man we’re gonna be a great football team this season. I think we need to keep Shep because he is a veteran leader, and he wants a Super Bowl ring badly. And he believes. Not a team in this league we can’t light up, and I ain’t whistling Dixie. Stafford is entering his 17th year, Baker his 9th year. I’m thinking Baker plays at least 6 more years. They’ll all be in Tampa. You Baker haters might as well get used to having a contender, year in and year out. Unless 75 percent of our Offense is on the bench unavailable. And that would be 2 outliers in a row. Not happening.
June 8th, 2026 at 10:34 am
@ Bee
“Keep those fingers crossed my guy…”
Will do buddy.
June 8th, 2026 at 10:37 am
@ BFFS96
“Ted Hurst is a true X receiver.”
I hope you are correct.
Like I said upwards – There is no replacing Mike Evans.
We just moved on with what we got…
June 8th, 2026 at 10:52 am
Why does this blog most always revolve around ME? My humble opinion. I already miss seeing him on the field, jumping up and signaling the first down. However, I believe what we saw last season was a shell of the real ME. The last game of a healthy Mike Evans the 1000 yard season was handed to him. He was famous for pushing off and not being flagged. Hamstring issues. Will I miss him on the field this fall? Absolutely! Let’s just remember the good times and let the new blood become our new heroes.
June 8th, 2026 at 11:00 am
Prepare for The Big Suck.
June 8th, 2026 at 11:12 am
Marine Buc Says:
I hope you are correct.
——————————————-
I hope I’m correct as well. 😉
I think we’ll see flashes this season, but may not really know until 2027. He is an elite-level athlete, scoring a 9.90 RAS score coming out of college, which is higher than 99% of WRs scored since the late 1980s. But he’s a raw talent, in need of a lot of development. I think a full off-season in the weight room will be of a lot of benefit as well.
June 8th, 2026 at 11:42 am
ME13 can never be replaced??? WTF are you talking about? If you go back and look at Evans career, the guy has never been a top 5 receiver in a season. He’s a fine player, but give me a break. He’s getting into the hall because he’s stayed healthy.
He never, ever had a season like Godwin before he destroyed the ankle.
June 8th, 2026 at 11:48 am
It’s fine he is a hall of fame wr but he doesn’t play at that level anymore at his age no matter what your feelings say. Wr room is fine emeka, chris, and McMillan make a great wr room.
June 8th, 2026 at 11:49 am
It’s time to get over this obsession with Mike Evans. He made a decision to go to San Fran. That’s it y’all gotta remember. We have a loaded wide receiver room and it’s most likely not enough to get him the thousand since everybody is going to assume Baker’s looking for him. Plus, honestly, Baker always tries to target him, and he ends up messing things up when he could’ve thrown the easy pass.
June 8th, 2026 at 11:55 am
This is like saying it’s time to get over the obsession of why your house keeps sinking into the ground when you live in a sinkhole-prone area.
June 8th, 2026 at 12:07 pm
Agree with Boge. Evans is old and slow now. Godwin was heading for an incredible record Bucs season before he got hurt. Hopefully he’s back to 100% and we have plenty of weapons on offense.
June 8th, 2026 at 12:55 pm
I really don’t understand why some people hate ME13 for leaving. I can go as far back as remembering Joe Montana leaving SF for the Chiefs, Favre leaving GB for MN, I could go on. This is business as usual in the NFL. We have a good WR room and ME13 will be missed, but its not devastating.
June 8th, 2026 at 1:01 pm
Joe wants to keep talking about Evans and why he left.
But refuses to say the truth that is clear as day to anyone with eyes.
Great way to keep those free buffets at the Stadium available to the press.
Covering up for the lies the Glazers tell their customers.
No honor amongst thieves.
June 8th, 2026 at 1:23 pm
“However, I believe what we saw last season was a shell of the real ME. The last game of a healthy Mike Evans the 1000 yard season was handed to him.”
You guys say this like Mike was just showing clear signs of decline, and not like he came back to an offense that was stuck in first gear.
First 2 games back, in game winning situations he had late game targets in each game that fell into the hands of a defender with the game on the line.
And because some of you are still cross with his exit, you try to make it sound like MIKE came back with some rust yet Baker stopped throwing EE the ball and started going right back to who he’s been successfully targeting since arriving in Tampa.
“1000 yards handed to him”
Intellectual tumble dry levels of spin going on here.