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Buccaneers Round Table: What about Adam Humphries?

By David Harrison

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 19: Adam Humphries #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 19, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 19: Adam Humphries #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 19, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 22: Vincent Jackson #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a first down catch in front of E.J. Biggers #38 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 22, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Tamps Bay defeated Philadelphia 45-17. (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 22: Vincent Jackson #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a first down catch in front of E.J. Biggers #38 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 22, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Tamps Bay defeated Philadelphia 45-17. (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images) /

Zain Ahmed

Adam Humphries, when he first signed with the Buccaneers, seemed like he’d be a solid depth guy and was hungry for more and ended up carving up a bigger role.

In 2015, Humphries made the most of his playing time. While not exactly posting crazy numbers he played solidly and had 27 receptions for 260-yards and one touchdown.

He was poised for a bigger role in 2016 and he came on strong. With Vincent Jackson injured, Humphries knew he had to improve his level of play and it’s exactly what he did.

While it was a team effort with Cameron Brate and Humphries making up for Jackson, the receiver played very well posting 55 receptions for 622-yards and three touchdowns.

A lot was asked of Humphries last year and he proved he belonged. This off-season, the Bucs re-signed Humphries, but later drafted wide reciever Chris Godwin in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

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Humphries faced stiff competition from Godwin, but was able to maintain his role as slot receiver for the 2017 season. However, he has not been putting up the numbers he has last season.

I think this can be attributed to the fact there are more weapons this season. The additions of O.J. Howard, DeSean Jackson and Godwin obviously meant someone was going to get the ball less, and it has been Humphries.

Not to say he has been bad, because he has been solid for sure with 35 catches for 339-yards. Humphries can still move the chains.

Looking ahead, I think Godwin will overtake Humphries role as the third wide receiver, because of how much more physically gifted and athletic he is than the more experienced NFL player.

I still think the Bucs should retain Humphries if possible because he is a great guy for depth and can step in and make a big play if necessary. It is understandable if Humphries were to look to pursue a bigger role elsewhere, but I personally am a big fan of him because he is sure-handed and as stated previously he moves the chains. Humphries could find himself back in the slot once Jackson’s contract expires and Godwin takes over as the second outside receiver, but that could be a long wait.

So Humphries’ future with the Buccaneers isn’t exactly trending upwards, but it isn’t because of his performance, rather depth at the position.

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