Wide receiver competition brewing behind Bucs' Mike Evans, Chris Godwin duo

Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are two of the most consistent pass-catchers in the NFL, and a fierce wide receiver competition is unfolding behind them as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prepare for the 2025 season.

With Evans coming off his 11th straight 1,000-yard season and Godwin returning from last year's ankle injury, the focus shifts to the talented group vying for spots lower on the depth chart.

New offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard will be glad to have the dynamic wide receiver duo at his disposal, but the question remains: who will emerge behind them in Tampa Bay's passing attack? It's a decision that will weigh heavily on Grizzard during training camp.

Bucs reporter Brianna Dix shares the same view. On Friday, she said, 
"The first two spots on the depth chart are entrenched with incumbents Mike Evans and Godwin, but the spots behind the dynamic duo are open for the taking."

The Bucs invested in their receiving corps during the 2025 NFL draft, selecting Emeka Egbuka in the first round and Tez Johnson with the 235th pick. Grizzard sees Egbuka as the primary slot receiver. He has displayed strong route-running and quick separation in college and offseason workouts.

Also in the mix are Jalen McMillan, who stepped up in 2024 after Godwin's injury, veteran Sterling Shepard and third-year wideout Trey Palmer. 

"The Bucs are stacked at the position, which is a good problem to have through the grueling 18-week NFL regular season," Brianna Dix added.

Josh Grizzard enters the 2025 season as a first-time play-caller. With a loaded, talented wide receiver group at his disposal, he'll be counting on his players to execute and help make his debut season a smooth transition.