Following a harrowing neck injury and the departure of franchise legend Mike Evans, the resilient wideout looks to reclaim his rising-star status within Tampa Bay’s evolving aerial attack.
Mike Evans is leaving behind more than just a legacy in Tampa.
When the franchise legend left the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to join the San Francisco 49ers, Evans took his lion's share of snaps, targets, and production with him. Even though it will be strange not to see No. 13 on the field, Evans' departure has left plenty of opportunity for the Bucs' group of wide receivers.
Jalen McMillan is ready to take that opportunity and run with it.
Entering his third season with the Bucs, McMillan is ready to earn a larger role in the offense and is eager to put last season's injury behind him. After a stellar rookie campaign in 2024, McMillan was robbed of nearly all of his second season after a serious neck injury suffered during a preseason game, which almost left him paralyzed.
Now healthy, and with a new lease on life, McMillan is looking to pick up where he left off as a rookie.
McMillan Was Brilliant As A Rookie
Drafted out of Washington with the 92nd pick in 2024, not much was expected of McMillan as a rookie. With Evans and Chris Godwin occupying the Bucs' top two receiver spots, and the emergence of tight end Cade Otton, McMillan was left to compete with veteran Sterling Shepard, and others, for any leftover targets.
The rookie would go on to shatter expectations, at times looking like a future star. McMillan would finish the year with 37 catches, 461 receiving yards, and eight TDs, including at least one touchdown in each of Tampa's final five games.
The future looked bright for Mcmillan. Unfortunately, the neck injury almost took away his career.
A Chance To Shine Again
McMillan can't wait for the upcoming season. Who can blame him? With Evans no longer in Tampa, McMillan will have a chance to shine again. Although the Bucs have a very deep and talented WR group, McMillan is eager to remind everyone what he can do.
Having the game he loves nearly taken from him, McMillan enters 2026 with a greater appreciation for life, and is only looking toward the future, telling Pewter Report,
"I had to sit in my bed and wonder, 'Is my neck going to heal correctly?' So, as soon as I was given the opportunity to play again, I knew that I could not look back and there was no time to be nervous and no time to be thinking about anything."
In a WR room with last year's first-round pick Emeka Egbuka, Godwin, and rookie Ted Hurst, McMillan knows he will have to earn the larger role he is craving. Just having another chance to be on the field means the world to a “happy” McMillan.
“Just to be out there and to catch balls from Baker and just to run on my feet, I feel good,” McMillan said. “I am definitely taking appreciation for the small things and celebrating small wins, and call my mom and dad every day. I am not taking any relationship for granted, so life has been good."
Final Thoughts
McMillan has a shot be a very impactful player for the Bucs this season. His return provides excellent insurance if Godwin struggles to stay healthy. Having him back also allows Tampa to ease Hurst along, instead of forcing him into a role he may not be ready for.
At only 24 years of age, McMillan is still incredibly young and likely hasn't hit his ceiling yet. Along with Egbuka and Hurst, McMillan gives the Bucs a trio of terrific young receivers who can all push each other and develop together.
Tampa's offense is shaping up to be very exciting for a long time.
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