Buccaneers GM Confident in Wide Receiver Depth After Evans Departure

Licht believes team can overcome loss of star wideout through internal development

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:16pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of pewter grey, red, and white representing the dynamic action on the field.Buccaneers GM Jason Licht's confidence in his team's receiving corps suggests the franchise believes it can overcome the loss of star wideout Mike Evans.Today in Tampa

Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht expressed confidence in the team's wide receiver depth, despite the recent departure of star player Mike Evans. Licht believes the Buccaneers can overcome Evans' exit through the continued growth and development of their existing receiving corps.

Why it matters

The loss of Evans, a perennial Pro Bowler, is a significant blow to the Buccaneers' offense. However, Licht's optimism about the team's other receivers suggests the organization believes it has the talent to remain competitive even without their top pass-catcher.

The details

Evans, a seven-time Pro Bowler, was traded to the Los Angeles Rams earlier this offseason, leaving a major void in the Buccaneers' passing attack. But Licht stated that he believes players like Chris Godwin, Russell Gage, and Jaelon Darden are poised to step up and fill the void left by Evans' departure.

  • Evans was traded to the Rams in March 2026.
  • Licht made his comments about the team's receiving corps in early April 2026, ahead of the NFL Draft.

The players

Jason Licht

The general manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, responsible for the team's roster decisions and personnel moves.

Mike Evans

A seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver who was recently traded by the Buccaneers to the Los Angeles Rams.

Chris Godwin

A wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who is expected to play a larger role in the offense following Evans' departure.

Russell Gage

A wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who is also expected to see an increased workload with Evans no longer on the team.

Jaelon Darden

A young wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who the team believes can develop into a bigger contributor in the passing game.

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What they’re saying

“We feel really good about the wide receiver room. We've got some young, talented guys who are ready to step up and fill that void.”

— Jason Licht, General Manager

What’s next

The Buccaneers will look to further bolster their receiving corps through the upcoming NFL Draft, where they hold several early-round picks.

The takeaway

While the loss of Mike Evans is undoubtedly a significant blow, the Buccaneers' front office appears confident that the team's other wide receivers can step up and help maintain the offense's productivity. This optimism from GM Jason Licht should help ease concerns among Buccaneers fans about the team's ability to remain competitive without their star pass-catcher.