Mike Evans left the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following the 2025 season, concluding one of the greatest careers in franchise history.
Football fans spent nearly a decade watching the duo of Evans and Chris Godwin, and it was a partnership regardless of who played quarterback.
Godwin is the last man standing from the franchise’s 2020 Super Bowl championship core, and he easily joins Evans among the greatest receivers in Buccaneers history. But who else deserves a nod? Did Keyshawn Johnson do enough? What about Vincent Jackson?
To determine our rankings of the best receivers in Buccaneers history, we factored in stats, overall team success, and the context of each player’s stint with the organization.
5. Keyshawn Johnson (2000-2003)
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This is exactly why we reference team context. Johnson was the unquestioned No. 1 receiver on the 2002 Super Bowl team, and he finished his four years in Tampa Bay with 298 catches, 3,828 yards, and 17 touchdowns.
None of those are good enough to crack the Buccaneers’ top five, though he is fourth in receptions among pure receivers; running backs James Wilder and Warrick Dunn, along with fullback Mike Alstott, all rank within the top six.
You could definitely make a case for Vincent Jackson here, but we’re going with Johnson. Team success must be considered, especially when a Super Bowl is involved.
4. Kevin House (1980-1986)
House’s time in Tampa was solid, as he recorded 286 catches for 4,928 yards and 31 touchdowns in seven seasons. He crossed the 1,000-yard mark twice, and he ranks fourth on the all-time receiving yards list.
No one will confuse House with Evans or Godwin, but he was a bright spot for a young franchise still finding its way. That’s good enough to land a spot on our list.
3. Mark Carrier (1987-1992)
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Carrier was a quality receiver during some frustrating Buccaneers seasons, snagging 321 catches for 5,018 yards and 27 touchdowns. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 1989 for an 86-catch, 1,422-yard, nine-touchdown campaign.
It’s slightly surprising that Carrier isn’t in the Buccaneers’ Ring of Honor, though the Glazer family typically saves such an honor for Hall of Fame selections or those affiliated with Super Bowl-winning teams.
2. Chris Godwin (2017-Present)
You likely knew that Godwin would rank No. 2, and for good reason. His 612 catches, 7,426 yards, and 41 touchdowns all rank second only to Evans.
And despite playing all of his first nine seasons alongside Evans, the 2017 third-round pick owns four 1,000-yard seasons and played a pivotal role during the 2020 Super Bowl run.
Godwin would likely be a lock for the Ring of Honor even without that championship ring, and he’s still only 30 years old. What does he have left in the tank for life without Evans?
1. Mike Evans (2014-2025)
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No surprises here. Evans departed Tampa Bay following the 2025 season as the all-time leader in every major receiving category, and his accolades are well known by this point.
Even in the 17-game era, we may never again see a receiver open his career with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
Evans made two All-Pro teams and six Pro Bowls during his time in Tampa Bay, and his 866 catches rank 31st in league history.
He’s already 21st on the league’s all-time receiving yards list, and it’s difficult to envision him not being a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
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