As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gear up for the 2025 season, one of the more compelling roster battles is at wide receiver, where the WR3 spot behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin remains unsettled. Whether it’s first-round rookie Emeka Egbuka or second-year player Jalen McMillan who takes over the role, the position will carry real value in a pass-heavy offense led by coordinator Josh Grizzard.
Tampa Bay leaned heavily on 11 personnel (three-wide-receiver sets) last season, using it on over 70 percent of their offensive snaps. That trend is expected to continue, giving the WR3 meaningful playing time. With defenses focused on Evans and Godwin, and tight end Cade Otton working the short middle, the third receiver will often benefit from favorable matchups and space to operate.
Egbuka offers polish and versatility, making him a natural fit in the slot.
At Ohio State, he showed excellent route-running and reliable hands, traits that should translate quickly to the NFL. If he wins the job, expect him to become a trusted option on third downs and in the red zone. McMillan, meanwhile, flashed big-play potential late last season. He finished with eight touchdowns, including seven over his final five games, showcasing his explosiveness and red-zone instincts. While his volume may be lower, his knack for making high-impact plays could keep him heavily involved even if he doesn’t start.
Realistically, the Buccaneers’ WR3 can expect between 50 and 65 targets over the season, resulting in around 35 to 45 catches for 450 to 600 yards and three to five touchdowns. These are solid numbers for a third receiver, especially in an offense that spreads the ball around and relies on timing and spacing. Ultimately, whether it’s Egbuka’s consistency or McMillan’s touchdown upside that wins out, the WR3 will be a key part of Tampa’s 2025 offense.
In a scheme that values depth and matchup exploitation, that third receiver won’t just fill space, they’ll make a difference.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: What can the Buccaneers expect from their WR3 in 2025?
Reporting by Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
