5 2nd-Year WRs Primed to Break Out in 2026 NFL Season

Some wide receivers flash star potential in their rookie season as statistical team and league leaders. Others need more opportunities or another offseason of development for a full breakout year.

As the 2025 receiver class enters its second season, we could see tremendous growth from the top picks in that group, including the wideout who won Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Because of trades and free-agent departures, a few up-and-coming receivers will see more targets in their teams' passing attacks. Also, don't forget that a young quarterback's growth directly impacts a receiver's production.

With those factors in mind, here are five second-year wide receivers primed for a breakout 2026 campaign.

Luther Burden III, Chicago Bears

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

During the spring, Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson said he's "buying stock" in Luther Burden III. As the offensive play-caller, he'll have a significant impact on the second-year wideout's 2026 outlook.

Chicago traded DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills. As a result, Burden should see more targets after hauling in 47 passes for 652 yards and two touchdowns last season. 

It's important to note that Rome Odunze told reporters that his foot injury from the previous season created a "new normal" for him with a "different type of structure" around the healed bones. Although he doesn't seem overly concerned, his ability to make sharp cuts and separate in his route-running will be something to monitor this year.

Burden could emerge as the Bears' lead wide receiver in a passing offense that finished 10th in yards and touchdowns last season. So, just like Johnson, you should buy stock in the wideout, too. He has the most upside among the Bears' wide receivers in a high-scoring offense.

Emeka Egbuka, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

Mike Evans' departure opens the door for Emeka Egbuka to reach stardom in 2026.

Evans saw at least 109 targets in 11 of 12 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—last year was the exception, as he missed nine games. Without him, a new target leader will emerge in the Buccaneers' aerial attack.

Over the last two seasons, Chris Godwin has missed 18 games, and Jalen McMillan has missed 17 contests. Quarterback Baker Mayfield needs a reliable playmaker who can fill Evans' void on the perimeter.

Egbuka had a strong start to his 2025 rookie campaign, racking up 101-plus receiving yards in three of his first nine games, but his target share and production dipped in November and December within a crowded wide receiver corps.

This year, Egbuka should be able to sustain early momentum in a lead role. Before organized team activities (OTAs), new Buccaneers offensive coordinator Zac Robinson shared his high expectations for the 2025 first-rounder:

"He doesn't have to change a thing. I think he's come back, he's refreshed. He played a ton of snaps and obviously played a lot of college football leading into that season and played a ton of snaps [there]. I think Mek's just going to take huge, huge strides. He knows the new terminology and is asking great questions. Mek's just got to be Mek and do his thing and he'll be just fine."  

Although the Buccaneers selected wide receiver Ted Hurst III in the third round of this year's draft, he's unlikely to threaten Egbuka's role in three-receiver sets.

Jayden Higgins, Houston Texans

AP Photo/Ashley Landis

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans noted that Jayden Higgins looks "bigger, stronger and faster" this offseason, which may help the 6'4", 215-pound receiver put together a standout year.

As a second-round pick out of Iowa State, Higgins caught 41 passes for 525 yards and six touchdowns in his rookie campaign. He started in 10 out of 17 contests, taking the field for 58 percent of the offensive snaps.

Entering the 2026 season, Higgins will likely retain his role as the No. 2 receiver, even though Tank Dell has shown positive signs in his recovery from multiple knee surgeries.

According to the Houston Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander, Dell is expected to participate in training camp. It should be noted that the 26-year-old receiver hasn't played a down since Week 16 of the 2024 term. Expect the Texans to ease Dell back into the fold rather than thrust him into a big role this year.

Also, keep in mind that quarterback C.J. Stroud is heading into a crucial campaign that could impact contract negotiations next offseason. If he finishes with above-average passing numbers in a prove-it year, Higgins should benefit. 

Jaylin Lane, Washington Commanders

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden and Los Angeles Chargers wideout Tre' Harris will face strong competition for targets in their respective teams' offenses—that won't be the case for Jaylin Lane.

The Washington Commanders have one established receiver in Terry McLaurin, who's coming off an injury-riddled 2025 season and turning 31 in September. Although the Commanders could bring in a veteran receiver like Stefon Diggs, the young players at the position could still get enough opportunities to break out.

As a rookie, Lane played a minimal role on offense, recording 16 catches for 225 yards while on the field for just 37 percent of the snaps.

However, Lane showcased his playmaking ability on special teams, returning 23 punts for 314 yards and two touchdowns and three kicks for 56 yards. If the Commanders find ways to get him the ball in space, he could rack up big gains in the passing game as well.

In terms of breakout potential, the possibility starts with opportunities. For now, Lane is in competition with Treylon Burks, who hasn't played up to his 2022 first-round pedigree, Luke McCaffrey and rookie third-rounder Antonio Williams for the No. 2 receiver spot. He could play his way into a bigger offensive role with a strong showing through training camp.

Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

Tetairoa McMillan had a standout rookie season. He caught 70 passes and led the 2025 class with 1,014 receiving yards and seven touchdown receptions. The Carolina Panthers wideout also won 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year by a wide margin over New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough.

With all that said, McMillan can top his rookie numbers and be a Pro Bowler, an All-Pro or an Offensive Player of the Year candidate if Panthers quarterback Bryce Young continues to make strides in the passing game.

Even with McMillan's impressive rookie numbers, Carolina's passing offense ranked 26th in 2025. Young only threw for 3,011 yards, tied for 25th in QBR and finished below the league average in passer rating (87.8).

According to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe, Young "looked really good" in head coach Dave Canales' scheme during the spring, which bodes well for his top receiver. 

Young's rapport with McMillan could vault the second-year wideout to the top of multiple receiving categories in the upcoming season.

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.