Expanded Role Coming For Tez Johnson
March 28th, 2026
Rookie receiver Tez Johnson was a feel-good story last season, but in the final 8 Bucs games, Johnson had just 9 catches for 67 yards, despite making four starts.
He had a better disappearing act than fellow rookie Emeka Egbuka.
Joe assumes most of this is tied to why head coach Todd Bowles hurled former offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard under the bus.
Now, the Bucs have a new offensive coordinator, Zac Robinson, and Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht told the team website that Johnson will be an emerging player in 2026, especially after the loss of Mike Evans.
“Tez, in the role that they’re going to carve out for him, which will expand, is going to be exciting,” Licht said.
Licht also said Egbuka and third-year receiver Jalen McMillan will benefit most from Evans bolting from town. Licht suggested both have what it takes to “become names in this league.”
Joe hopes Johnson also gets a shot to be the Bucs’ returner last season. After a preseason hiccup as a returner, Johnson was iced out of consideration for the job.