Tampa Bay’s passing game loses its centerpiece as five‑time Pro Bowl Mike Evans departs, taking nearly a third of the team’s aerial scoring since 2014. New offensive coordinator Zac Robinson admits the void is “unreplaceable,” but he must re‑engineer the scheme before the season opens. The Bucs now lean on a mix of veterans and untested talent to fill the gap.

Last year rookie Emeka Egbuka stepped into Evans’ spot for nine games, shifting between the X and Z alignments while injuries sidelined Chris Godwin Jr. and Jalen McMillan. Robinson envisions Egbuka primarily as a “Z” – a motion‑friendly receiver – and plans to keep McMillan in that role as he adds bulk. Slot specialist Chris Godwin, who thrived early in 2024 before a dislocated ankle, will likely remain in the middle of the field, while diminutive seventh‑rounder Tez Johnson continues to see limited usage.

The Bucs’ most promising X candidate arrives in third‑round pick Ted Hurst, a 6‑4, 206‑pound athlete who logged a 4.42‑second 40‑yard dash and a 36.5‑inch vertical at the combine. Coaches praise his size, speed and hands, noting he mirrors many of Evans’ traits yet still needs development. Robinson’s McVay‑inspired system can tolerate Hurst’s growth while allowing Baker Mayfield to distribute the ball across a versatile receiving corps, giving Tampa Bay a workable, if not perfect, solution.