The NFL offseason brought plenty of change, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were no exception. Veteran wide receiver Mike Evans departed in free agency to join the San Francisco 49ers. As Evans nears the end of his career, he secured one final major contract before retirement. His departure creates a significant opportunity for other receivers on the roster, including Jalen McMillan.
McMillan impressed during his rookie season, hauling in eight touchdown receptions and quickly establishing himself as a reliable target. Despite the Buccaneers selecting Emeka Egbuka in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, all signs pointed toward McMillan taking another step forward. Unfortunately, a frightening neck injury cut his season short.
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The good news is that McMillan is making a full recovery. With Chris Godwin still working his way back from a midseason injury and Egbuka expected to ***** ume the WR1 role, McMillan has a clear path to increased opportunities. He could develop into a dependable WR3 for Baker Mayfield—or even emerge as a legitimate WR2 option.
Dec 28, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (11) runs for a gain past Miami Dolphins cornerback Rasul Douglas (26) during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images