1 week Ago
The playoff outlook for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks more grim than it did four weeks ago. They have now lost four straight games and find themselves on the outskirts of the NFL playoff picture. By no means are the Bucs out of the race and their schedule provides a path back into the mix if they handle their business.
But another factor in their recent setback has been the uptick in injuries, specifically at wide receiver. Baker Mayfield and Liam Coen have directed traffic through the absence of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Tampa Bay will not see the latter of the pair return to action this season.
Eric Canha-Imagn Images Godwin will likely enter the offseason a free agent, leaving his future uncertain. Evans, though he signed an extension over the summer, has only a few years left in him. That means the Bucs could explore an influx of younger talent at the wide receiver spot when they are on the clock during the NFL Draft in April.
Josh Edwards of CBS Sports has linked the Bucs as a first-round suitor for Missouri receiver Luther Burden III. This season, Burden has reeled in 45 grabs for 505 yards and six touchdowns for the Tigers, adding six total touchdowns. Burden III provides an undersized an impactful playmaking presence that NFL teams should find desirable when the offseason rolls around.
But for the Bucs, this serves as a potential shift in the receiving corps dynamic. Related: 'Never Meant to Hurt Anyone!' Smith on Bucs' Godwin Season-Ending Tackle For the better part of a decade, Evans and Godwin have served as a formidable duo in this offense, regardless of coach, quarterback or scheme. If the Bucs and Godwin cannot come to terms, it is possible that partnership may come to an end.
In the 2024 draft, the Bucs used a third-round selection on Jalen McMillan who has 10 receptions for 109 yards thus far in his rookie season. McMillan and Burden III could represent a reimagined receiver room that looks much younger than the current installment. That may be a tough decision for Tampa Bay to consider, but also one that may have to be examined.
Related: Rocky Top Roots: Ex Bucs Coach Reveals Near Move to Tennessee.
