Baker Mayfield Sends Strong Message on Buccaneers Rookie Tez Johnson’s Rise

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield had high praise for rookie wide receiver Tez Johnson following the team’s 23-3 win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 8. 

The former Oregon Duck, a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has quickly emerged as one of Mayfield’s most trusted targets amid injuries to Tampa Bay’s receiving corps.

As Sports Illustrated noted, Mayfield couldn’t stop praising his rookie receiver.

“Tez continues to make plays for us,” Mayfield said.

 “He’s flying around the field, the scramble drill aspect of it, he was LIGHTS OUT. I know he wants that in-cut later in the game back, but other than that, Tez played great.”

In a season where the Buccaneers have relied on young talent to keep their offense afloat, Johnson’s consistency and maturity have stood out. 

“You can tell he’s been coached well and that the moment’s never too big for him,” Mayfield added. “He prepares like a veteran.”

Johnson led the team in receiving against the Saints, hauling in five catches for 43 yards, marking his fourth straight game with over 40 receiving yards.

His performance adds to an already promising rookie campaign as he has 15 receptions, 213 yards, and two touchdowns through seven games this season. 

His production has been extremely impressive for a late-round pick who’s earned increased playing time due to injuries to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

 The rookie has made the most of every opportunity. 

From Oregon to the NFL

Before turning heads in Tampa, Johnson was a dynamic playmaker for the Oregon Ducks, where he spent two years under head coach Dan Lanning. 

Before catching passes from Baker Mayfield in Tampa, Tez Johnson spent two seasons lighting up defenses alongside Broncos quarterback Bo Nix at Oregon. 

Nix and Johnson were brothers on and off the field. Johnson was formally adopted by the Nix family after being coached by Bo’s father, Patrick Nix, in high school, and he’s lived with them since his teenage years. 

It’s one of the more remarkable stories in college football, two brothers, raised under the same roof, later becoming one of the most explosive quarterback-receiver duos in the nation. 

In 2023, he led the Ducks with 86 receptions for 1,182 yards and 10 touchdowns, followed by another standout season in 2024 where he posted 898 yards and 10 scores on 83 catches. 

Johnson capped off his college career as Big Ten Championship Game MVP, torching Penn State for 181 yards and a touchdown in Oregon’s 45-37 win. 

Johnson’s Impact on the Buccaneers’ Offense

With veteran wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin and second-year wide receiver Jalen McMillan missing time, Johnson’s emergence has been exactly what the Bucs have needed. 

His ability to separate quickly off the line and find soft spots in coverage has made him a go-to option in Mayfield’s short-to-intermediate passing game. 

Offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard praised Johnson’s adaptability: “He plays fast, he studies hard, and he’s not afraid of the moment. For a rookie, that’s rare.”

As the Buccaneers eye a deep playoff run, Johnson’s development could be pivotal and Mayfield’s growing confidence in him could make the difference down the stretch. 

“He’s one of those guys who just gets it,” Mayfield said. “When you have a rookie like that, who shows up every day ready to work, you know he’s going to be special.”

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