Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield expressed excitement about the addition of Emeka Egbuka, the team’s first-round draft pick from Ohio State. Following a disappointing playoff exit, Mayfield and the Buccaneers are preparing for the 2025 season with the hope that Egbuka will be an important new weapon in their offense.
Selected for his dynamic playmaking ability, Egbuka is expected to enhance Tampa Bay’s wide receiver group, which already includes veterans like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Trey Palmer, and Jalen McMillan. Mayfield highlighted Egbuka’s versatility, signaling confidence in his ability to seamlessly fill multiple receiver roles.
“Right now, I think we could plug-and-play (Emeka Egbuka) at any receiver spot,” Mayfield said.
Emeka Egbuka’s Collegiate Impact and Projections
During his last season at Ohio State, Egbuka made a significant impact by catching 81 passes for 1,011 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns. His contributions were pivotal in helping the Buckeyes secure a national championship. With those credentials, Egbuka enters the NFL poised to be a major asset for the Buccaneers.
Mayfield Aims to Inject More Big Plays Into Buccaneers’ Offense
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, Mayfield has emphasized the need for Tampa Bay’s offense to become more explosive, particularly by generating more downfield plays. Last season, the team ranked near the bottom of the league in air yards per throw and the frequency of deep pass attempts.
“We’re trying to get some more explosive [plays] in,” Mayfield said, via NFL.com. “Obviously, when you look at the stats — I’m not a big stats guy — but we weren’t as much down-the-field explosive. We were creating a lot of open, in the middle, and guys getting some YAC.”
Mayfield acknowledged his willingness to take shots downfield to create scoring opportunities but recognizes improvement is needed. The Buccaneers ranked 29th in air yards per throw and attempted passes of 20-plus yards on only 7.5% of throws last year.
“This is the time of year we’re working on it. Obviously, you would love to have more down-the-field shots, but any completion is a good one,” Mayfield added.
Preparing for the Season Opener Against the Falcons
Training camp and preseason games will be crucial for Mayfield and the Buccaneers to develop chemistry with Egbuka and refine their game plan. The team’s official 2025 season begins on September 7 with an away game versus the Atlanta Falcons, setting the stage for Mayfield and his new weapon to make an immediate impact.
With hopes high and a focus on increasing big-play opportunities, the Buccaneers are looking to rebound from last season’s playoff disappointment and build a more dynamic offense featuring Baker Mayfield and Emeka Egbuka at the core.