Posted By Caden Fitzwilliam On 21 Oct 2025 Comments (0)
When Keyonteze "Tez" Johnson earned a spot on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 53‑man roster, the NFL quietly welcomed the league’s lightest player at 154 lb. The 23‑year‑old rookie, drafted 235th overall in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, will line up against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium on September 7, 2025. Jason Licht, the Buccaneers’ general manager since 2014, and ESPN analyst Jenna Laine both confirmed the move after Johnson’s electric preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills. The decision reshaped a roster already rattled by injuries to veterans like Chris Godwin and newcomer Trey Palmer. Here’s why the story matters beyond the numbers.
Historic Roster Spot and What It Means
Johnson’s weight makes him the lightest player ever to make an NFL opening‑day roster – a fact that surprised even seasoned scouts. At 5‑foot‑10 and 154 pounds, he defies the traditional build of a pro‑level wide receiver, a trend that could open doors for other undersized talent. The Buccaneers, fresh off a 5‑2 start in the NFC South, saw in him a high‑upside play‑maker who can stretch the field without adding bulk.
Preseason Heroics that Sold the Deal
The breakthrough came on August 24, 2025, when Johnson hauled in all eight targets for 58 yards and a touchdown during the preseason finale at Raymond James Stadium. His touchdown catch was followed by a viral back‑flip celebration that trended on social media for hours. Despite a muffed punt and a dropped pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers a week earlier, the Buccaneers’ coaching staff noted his resilience.
Offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, promoted on February 15, 2024, praised Johnson’s “bounce‑back” attitude, saying, “He’s the kind of kid who learns faster than you think after a rough game.” The sentiment echoed what quarterback Baker Mayfield later confirmed in a post‑game interview: “He reads the defense like a book. That’s rare for a rookie.”
Coaching Perspectives and Development Path
Wide receivers coach Bryan McClendon highlighted Johnson’s route‑running precision during a Week 7 press conference on October 15, 2025. McClendon noted that Johnson’s ability to “find soft spots in the 49ers’ coverage” gave Mayfield a reliable check‑down option early in his career.
Behind the scenes, General Manager Jason Licht recounted that his front office staff had “loved Johnson before the draft,” recalling his dominance at the University of Oregon. Licht said, “He was often the best player on the field for Oregon, even against bigger opponents.”
Injuries, Trades, and the Roster Shuffle
The move came at a cost: veteran returner Trey Palmer was traded to the New Orleans Saints on August 30, 2025, to free up a roster spot. Simultaneously, second‑year receiver Jalen McMillan landed on Injured Reserve with a neck injury, and Godwin’s ankle sprain (sustained July 30, 2025) meant the Buccaneers would lean heavily on the rookie for depth.
Even with those setbacks, the Buccaneers maintained a 5‑2 record through Week 7, showcasing a balanced attack that blends veteran reliability with youthful explosiveness.
Why Johnson’s Story Resonates
Beyond the stats, Johnson’s journey is a textbook example of perseverance. Growing up in government‑subsidized housing in Pinson, Alabama, he was taken in by the Nix family at 15 after his father’s tragic death. At Pinson Valley High School, he posted a 17‑catch, 247‑yard, three‑touchdown game that ranks eighth in Alabama state history. After a brief stint with the Troy Trojans, he transferred to the University of Oregon, where he became a go‑to target for the Ducks’ offense.
Fantasy analysts at Fantasy Football Calculator projected Johnson to see immediate snaps behind Evans and Egbuka, citing his route precision and special‑teams upside. If he can stay healthy, he could become a weekly fixture in Mayfield’s passing game, adding a new dimension to an offense that has struggled with consistency since the 2024 season.
Key Facts
- Johnson becomes the lightest player in NFL history at 154 lb.
- Drafted 235th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft (7th round).
- Recorded 8 catches for 58 yards and 1 TD in the preseason finale.
- Will debut against the Atlanta Falcons on Sep 7, 2025 at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.
- Buccaneers sit 5‑2 in the NFC South, first place as of Week 7.
What’s Next for the Buccaneers?
Looking ahead, the Buccaneers will need Johnson to stay healthy and adapt quickly to the speed of pro defenses. With Godwin sidelined for at least a month and McMillan on IR, the rookie’s role as both receiver and return specialist could expand dramatically. If he continues to impress, Tampa Bay might lean on his agility to offset the size disadvantage that has plagued many of its recent receiving corps.
For now, all eyes are on the September 7 season‑opener. Will the league’s newest lightweight surprise the 49ers‑ranked defense? Only time will tell, but the early signs suggest a thrilling rookie campaign is on the horizon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Tez Johnson’s size affect his NFL potential?
At 154 lb, Johnson is lighter than any player to make an opening‑day roster, which raises questions about durability. However, his quickness, precise route‑running, and proven ability to absorb hits in college suggest he can thrive if used smartly, especially in slot and return roles where agility outweighs bulk.
What prompted the Buccaneers to cut Trey Palmer?
Palmer’s trade to the New Orleans Saints on Aug 30 created a roster spot the team needed to protect a promising rookie. With injuries to Godwin and McMillan, the front office prioritized depth at receiver over a veteran returner whose production had plateaued.
How will Johnson fit into Baker Mayfield’s offense?
Mayfield praised Johnson’s ability to read defenses and find soft spots. Expect Johnson to line up primarily in the slot, providing a quick, reliable outlet on short‑to‑intermediate routes while also contributing on special teams.
What are the Buccaneers’ prospects in the NFC South after week 7?
Sitting 5‑2 and atop the division, Tampa Bay has momentum. Injuries to key veterans have opened doors for younger players like Johnson, and if the team can keep its star receivers healthy, it could sustain a playoff push despite a competitive Southern field.
What does Johnson’s story mean for future small‑framed prospects?
Johnson’s ascent proves that NFL scouts are willing to look beyond traditional size metrics. His success could inspire more teams to give chances to undersized athletes who excel in route precision, hands, and football IQ.