Entering his third year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, wide receiver Ryan Miller had to earn his place on the 53-man roster. The 25-year-old was left off the 53 in 2024 and 2023, but did enough this offseason to make this year’s squad.
Through the Buccaneers’ three preseason games in 2025, Miller totaled 10 receptions for 95 yards through the air.
Despite starting the 2024 season off the 53, Miller did see game action. He appeared in 11 games and caught 12 passes for 128 yards and a pair of touchdowns. His play on special teams helped solidify a role, finishing the year with seven tackles.
“[Miller’s] smart, he’s reliable, he’s tough,” head coach Todd Bowles said. “He has great hands; He’s going to block when you need him to block; He’s going to get open when you need him to get open; He’s a very good special teams player; His confidence has grown from year one to now.”
His Position Change Made Miller an Important Asset
Coming out of college, Miller was listed as a tight end at Furman University. As an undersized, receiving-focused tight end, a switch to wide receiver in the NFL was a no-brainer. He could get away with his 6-foot-2, 221-pound frame at the FCS level in college, but had to change spots with the Buccaneers.
The 25-year-old spent the entirety of his rookie season of 2023 on the practice squad, getting a grasp on his new position. The time learning ended up paying off, with Miller now maintaining a roster spot in one of the best wide receiver rooms in the league.
“My rookie year, I don’t think I was entirely ready to play in the NFL,” Miller said. “I was still kind of developing… Transitioning to NFL wide receiver was a little bit different for me, trying to work against outside cornerbacks and stuff like that.”
A big part of the development process was learning how to use his skills as a tight end to help in his new role. After being used to blocking defensive ends and linebackers on a regular basis, Miller is now tasked with blocking much smaller players at cornerback and safety.
Miller has also gained an understanding of what it takes to find his way on the field. He has worked to become an asset on special teams, using his size and athleticism to make plays. As a receiver low on the depth chart, being a good special teamer can be the difference between making the team and not.
Injuries to Other WRs Carved a Path for Miller to Step Up
The Buccaneers are bringing seven wide receivers on their 53-man roster in 2025, after only five in 2024. A big reason for the increase in roster spots is due to a few key injuries at the position. Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan will both begin the season on the sideline.
Working with Baker Mayfield and the rest of the team in Tampa Bay for the past three years helped Miller be a prime candidate to be the “next man up.” For a team with lofty expectations, the Buccaneers will need players with Miller’s level of experience to fill in at a high level.
Miller appreciates the trust his organization has bestowed upon him, and is ready to make the most of the opportunity.
“Ultimately, it’s up to the coaches and staff for them to decide who’s going to make this team,” Miller said. “And that’s out of my control, but I can just control what I can control and do my best.”
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