Top 5 Wide Receivers in Tampa Bay Bucs Franchise History
Throughout franchise history of the Tampa Bay Bucs, the team has never truly possessed a high-powered offense. Even during the glory years of the late 1990s and early 2000s, which culminated in a Super Bowl victory from the 2002 season, the club was clearly centered around tough defense. Although a successful down-field passing attack has never defined the Bucs, supporters have witnessed numerous wide-outs emerge as the team’s primary passing threat. While many players only posted a single quality season, several did enjoy a lengthier run of productivity. Here is a look at the 5 top wide receivers of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
1.) Mark Carrier (1987-1992) — Playing the first 6 of his 12 NFL seasons for the Tampa Bay Bucs, this productive wide-out served as the main weapon for quarterback Vinny Testaverde. In fact, Carrier’s time in Tampa coincided exactly with the former #1 overall pick, as the duo were both drafted in 1987 and departed via free agency in 1992. Though the Bucs greatly underachieved during that time, Carrier posted solid numbers as the team’s primary down-field threat. The Louisiana native remains Tampa Bay’s all-time receiving leader with 5,018 yards. In 1989, the Nicholls State product made his sole Pro Bowl appearance due to a monster season of 86 receptions, 1,422 yards, and 9 touchdowns. Carrier left for a pair of seasons with the Cleveland Browns and eventually finished with the expansion Carolina Panthers, for whom he posted the first touchdown in franchise history in 1995.
2.) Kevin House (1980-1986) — Drafted in the 2nd round of the 1980 NFL Draft, House became a favorite target of Bucs’ quarterbacks Doug Williams and Steve DeBerg. He posted 1,000+ yard seasons for each signal caller in 1981 and 1984 and remains a close second to Carrier in the team’s all-time receiving yardage with 4,928. House is also runner-up in career receiving touchdowns with 31, which has him only behind tight end, and longtime teammate, Jimmie Giles. The Southern Illinois product was known for his speed and ability to reel-in long tosses for exciting scores. Essentially replaced by Carrier, House finished his career with a pair of seasons for the Los Angeles Rams.
3.) Keyshawn Johnson (2000-2003) — Though his relationship with the coaching staff was bitter, this boisterous receiver had a large impact in a short time with the Bucs. The team traded a pair of 1st round picks to the New York Jets for the former #1 overall draft choice, who was expected to boost a conservative offense that had fallen in the 1999 NFC Championship Game. Johnson played 4 seasons for the Bucs and his numbers look great with 298 receptions, 3,828 yards, and 17 touchdowns. 2001 proved his best campaign with a gaudy 106 catches, which earned a trip to the Pro Bowl, and he accrued 69 yards a year later in the team’s Super Bowl XXXVII triumph. However, Johnson’s self-proclaimed “Give Me The Damn Ball” attitude did not mesh well with new coach Jon Gruden. The USC product was actually deactivated following a sideline altercation in 2003 and traded to the Dallas Cowboys for his replacement, which brings us to the next spot on the list.
4.) Joey Galloway (2004-2008) — After failing to meet expectations during 4 seasons for the Dallas Cowboys, Bill Parcells shipped the Ohio State alum to Tampa Bay in exchange for the disgruntled Keyshawn Johnson. The straight-up trade was a rarity in that elite players at the same position were swapped, hoping a change of scenery would help both. In the end, the Bucs got the better of the deal, as Galloway enjoyed several quality seasons with Tampa Bay. After an injury-plagued 2004 season, the speedy return specialist posted 3 consecutive 1,000+ yard seasons from 2005-2007. He remains the only Bucs’ receiver to accomplish this and it is particularly impressive that his yardage occurred while playing with 6 different starting quarterbacks. As he neared 40 years old, Galloway’s production drastically declined in 2008 and he was released when the team fired with Coach Gruden.
5.) Mike Williams (2010-present) — In a few more seasons, it is possible that Williams will rank much higher on such a list. Yet, after 3 seasons of NFL play, this Syracuse product already resembles a steady producer and has separated himself from the “one year wonders” witnessed recently by Bucs’ fans, such as Michael Clayton and Antonio Bryant. Williams enjoyed a sensational rookie season in 2010 by snatching 964 receiving yards and setting the Bucs’ single season touchdown mark with 11 scores. Though a slight sophomore slump occurred a year later, Williams bounced back in 2012 as Josh Freeman’s secondary option behind dynamic free agent signee Vincent Jackson. The 2010 4th round pick enjoys good size for serving as a possession-type receiver and has proven one of General Manager Mark Dominik’s best acquisitions.
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Jeff Briscoe is a writer who covers sports for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. A loyal Tampa Bay Bucs fan, he co-hosts the Florida-based radio show, The Sports Train.
