"Sky is the Limit" for Bucs Offense
After a fourth straight NFC South title and an offense that put up explosive numbers in 2024, the Buccaneers' have cemented their place as an NFC offensive powerhouse. The unit is among the league's elite and Tampa Bay added an infusion of talent for quarterback Baker Mayfield, including first-round pick Emeka Egbuka and seventh-round acquisition Tez Johnson. Egbuka, who finished his career with the most receptions in Ohio State history, joins an already talented cast of Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan and Sterling Shepard. Johnson finished top-five in Oregon lore in career catches while playing for two different quarterbacks in Eugene. Both Egbuka and Johnson have impressed teammates and coaches throughout the offseason workout program for their work between the hashes and understanding of the playbook.
"I know I say it a lot but this might be the best receiving room I've been a part of," described Evans.
Last season, Tampa Bay became the first team in NFL annals to complete at least 70% of its passes and average over five yards per carry throughout the course of an entire season. The Bucs became just the second team in NFL history to throw for 40-plus passing touchdowns and average over five yards per carry in the same season, joining the 1998 San Francisco 49ers. In addition, Mayfield established new career highs in completions (407), completion percentage (71.4%), passing yards (4,500), net yards per pass attempt (7.9), passing touchdowns (41) and passer rating (106.8). In 2025, with an abundance of talent around Mayfield, the Bucs have placed high expectations on themselves on the quest for another Lombardi Trophy.
"I feel like the sky is the limit for our O-line and our offense as a whole," said right tackle, Luke Goedeke. "I'd like to see our offense as the best O-line and best offense in the National Football League. That's the goal among every team but I would say we're definitely a team [where] that's definitely achievable. Everyone strives for that and that's great and everything but I think the Bucs, here, as we stand today, they're in a good spot to achieve that this year."
Cade Otton Route-Running Prowess
Last season, tight end Cade Otton showcased his expansive route tree following the injuries to both Evans and Godwin. He helped supplement their production and began running a variety of routes that typically went to the elite receiver tandem, including options, wheels, seams and out-breakers/corners. Otton's efficiency at generating separation and creating lanes in the run game with physical crack-back blocks spurred the offense. When the offense was at its most vulnerable, Otton stepped up. Through Week Eight, Otton ranked third in the NFL in receptions among tight ends (36), sixth in receiving yards (344), and tied for fourth in touchdown catches (3). Few tight ends in the NFL are as well-rounded as Otton, and he continues to become a vital piece in Tampa Bay's offense.
"Cade, I am kind of sick of him right now," laughed inside linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. "That is a real savvy route runner right there. Yeah, he got me a few times this offseason. So, I definitely have to get in my bag a little bit. That tight end room is special, as well. Our whole offense, they put you in a lot of compromising positions where you have to play the run, play the pass and they make it look the same. When you can do that, that is an elite offense."
