Buccaneers WR's role in question after Emeka Egbuka selection

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have some questions to answer at wide receiver.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan scores a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers. | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers present a murky future for second-year wide receiver Jalen McMillan.

McMillan thrived in his rookie year after Chris Godwin went down with an injury, catching 37 passes for 461 yards and eight touchdowns for the Bucs. They rewarded his performance by selecting first-round wide receiver Emeka Egbuka while also bringing back Godwin in free agency.

ESPN analyst Ben Solak questions how McMillan will fit in Tampa's offense in the 2025 season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan warms up before a NFC wild card playoff against the Washington Commanders. | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

McMillan's role now unclear for Bucs

"I was very bullish on Year 2 for McMillan, who rose nicely to the challenge after Chris Godwin was lost for the season to an ankle injury," Solak wrote.

"Then the Buccaneers drafted Emeka Egbuka in the first round of the 2025 draft, sliding McMillan squarely into a battle for WR3 responsibilities this season. McMillan is a savvy route runner with better speed than he's given credit for, and he has some spectacular catch ability in him. I still believe in the player, even if the opportunity for high volume is vanishing."

The Bucs clearly don't see much more time for Mike Evans, who is entering his 12th season with the team this year. Godwin is also getting up there in age after turning 29 this offseason.

While McMillan may not have as much opportunity this season as he did a year ago, his presence confirms the team's depth at wide receiver, making it one of the deepest position groups in the entire league.

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2025 offseason.

Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook

More Tampa Bay Buccaneers News

• Buccaneers sign record-breaking linebacker after rookie minicamp tryout

• Buccaneers legendary LB assigns ideal 'road trip' roles for his quarterbacks

• Buccaneers star WRs among best NFL duos

• Buccaneers RB backs Rachaad White, dismisses trade rumors