Former Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield is gearing up for his eighth season in the National Football League, and his third with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both of Mayfield’s seasons with the Bucs have produced career years, with 2024 standing as his best NFL showing yet.

The former OU legend and 2017 Heisman Trophy winner threw for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns with a 71.4% completion percentage last year. Those numbers put him among the best quarterbacks in the league. He had a 106.8 QBR and also ran for 378 yards and three touchdowns. Despite losing offensive coordinator Liam Coen, Mayfield is primed to repeat or even improve on those lofty numbers this year.

One of the biggest reasons for Mayfield’s success in Tampa has been the wide receiver group he’s been able to work with over the last couple of seasons. And as good as that room has been with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin leading the way over the last two years, it looks like it’ll be even better in 2025.

Touchdown Wire’s Camber Michelle outlined just how dynamic Mayfield’s WRs are heading into the season, as the Bucs used their first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka to get even better at the position.

“The Tampa Bay Buccaneers boast one of the NFL’s most exciting wide receiver groups heading into the 2025 season,” Michelle said. “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.”

Leading the way for the Buccaneers are Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, two players who have spent their entire careers in Tampa. They form one of the best WR duos in the entire league when healthy, and Mayfield has displayed chemistry with both of them. Tampa Bay’s offense is very difficult to slow down when Evans and Godwin are at their best.

But it’s a couple of younger pieces that really have a chance to take the WR room from good to great for Mayfield in 2025 and beyond.

“The addition of first-round pick Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka (No. 19 overall, 2025) hints at a future-thinking approach,” Michelle said. “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.” 

Michelle also noted that the Buccaneers have other players who stepped up last season when Evans and Godwin were injured. That includes Trey Palmer and Mayfield’s old teammate from his college days in Norman, Sterling Shepard. They are also solid at the tight end position with Cade Otton, boast two talented young running backs in Bucky Irving and Rachaad White, and return all five starters on the offensive line.

Tampa Bay clearly believes in Mayfield holding the reins of the offense, and have confidence that the unit will soar again, even with Josh Grizzard taking over after Coen left to coach the Jacksonville Jaguars. As Mayfield enters the second season of a three-year deal, his team is doing all it can to set their quarterback up for continued success with a very deep group of wide receivers and an offense that looks like it’ll be very tough to stop.

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