Buccaneers make surprising WR move in middle of training camp

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have added another new face to the roster.

Dec 25, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are nearly two weeks into training camp with the first preseason game a little bit over a week away.

Injuries have already begun to present themselves early on, leading the Buccaneers to make a few additions to the roster. After addressing the need at running back, the team is adding depth at wide receiver.

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Oct 26, 2024; Honolulu, Hawaii, USA; Nevada Wolf Pack wide receiver Jaden Smith (1) attempts to make a catch over Hawaii Rainbow Warriors defensive back Caleb Brown (13) during the second quarter at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. Smith caught the ball out of bounds. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-Imagn Images | Marco Garcia-Imagn Images

According to FOX Sports' Greg Auman, Tampa Bay has signed undrafted rookie wide receiver Jaden Smith. The 6-foot-6, 210-pound pass-catcher went through a workout with the Buccaneers on Wednesday.

In 2024, Smith suited up for the Nevada Wolfpack, leading the team with 62 catches for 849 yards and seven touchdowns. He had two games of 100+ yards receiving, including a season-high nine catches for 134 yards in a 24-21 loss to Fresno State in October.

Another signing for Bucs today: Jaden Smith, a 6-6 receiver who had seven touchdowns at Nevada last year. Also played at Montana State and Tarleton, was a tryout player at Bucs rookie minicamp this spring.

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) July 30, 2025

Smith began his college career at the FCS level with Montana State in 2019. He spent three seasons with the program, helping the Bobcats to a national championship game appearance in 2021.

The Texas native returned home to play for Tarleton State in 2022. He had a breakout campaign during his first year with the program, catching 48 passes for 822 yards and ten touchdowns. Smith earned second-team All-WAC honors after finishing second in the conference in receiving touchdowns, fourth in receiving yards, and fifth in receptions.

Smith will likely be competing for a spot on Tampa Bay's practice squad. He becomes the 12 wide receiver on the roster. Four of those players - Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, and Jalen McMillan - are practically locks to make the 53.

That leaves a bunch of different pass-catchers with diverse skill sets fighting for one or maybe two spots, if the Buccaneers decide to carry six wide receivers.

Smith will have to start impressing the coaching staff quickly starting with the preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans on Saturday, August 9.

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