Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager expects larger role for rookie Ted Hurst

Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht confirmed that rookie wide receiver Ted Hurst will have a significant role in the team's offense for the 2026 season. Although the team initially viewed the third-round draft pick as a developmental prospect, his performance throughout training camp and OTAs earned him a spot in the primary rotation. Hurst joins a receiving corps featuring Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin, while competing with Jalen McMillan and Tez Johnson for playing time. The team enters the season looking to maintain depth at the position following significant injury issues that affected the roster last year. A consistent performance from the receiving group is viewed as a necessary component for quarterback Baker Mayfield to maintain offensive production and secure a contract extension with the organization.

• 4:40 AMYahoo Sports — Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rookie WR ‘Going To Play a Role’