Key Takeaways:
– The Tampa Bay Buccaneers must consider key changes for a Super Bowl comeback.
– A decision regarding the trade or retention of Chris Godwin is necessary.
– The Buccaneers have drafted wide receivers who may be potential replacements for Godwin.
Boosting the Buccaneers’ Battle Plan
After being regular contenders in the NFC South, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are now urged to consider some audacious alterations that could propel them back to Super Bowl-contender status. Among these changes, Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine highlighted three major points that the Buccaneers should consider ahead of the 2025 free agency.
Trade or Retain Chris Godwin?
At the center of Ballentine’s arguments, the decision about whether to trade or keep their wide receiver, Chris Godwin, stands out. Godwin is in the last year of his 3-year, $60 million contract extension he signed in 2022 and has consistently put up impressive figures. Despite the impressive figures, his personal best of 2 touchdowns in 2023 were notably low.
Under the wing of Tampa Bay’s new offensive coordinator, Liam Coen, Godwin’s potential utilization and performance remain in question. As Ballentine notes, Godwin’s underperformance could be due to misplacement in Dave Canales’ offense. By moving him back into the slot, where he excels, we could see a return of his best form.
Bucs’ Stellar WR Duo
Over the last decade, the duo of Godwin and Mike Evans has become an NFL highlight. Evans, holding the NFL record with his 10th consecutive season of over 1,000 receiving yards in 2023, signed a lucrative 2-year, $52 million contract in March 2024.
As part of this dynamic duo, Godwin often felt overshadowed despite his significant contributions. With his ability to play both outside and in the slot, Godwin stands as one of the NFL’s most adaptable wide receivers. This talent, coupled with his NFL All-Pro honors and Pro Bowl appearance in 2019, makes him a key player for the Buccaneers.
Drafting Godwin’s Potential Successor
In an intriguing move, the Buccaneers drafted wide receiver Jalen McMillan in third place during the 2024 NFL draft. McMillan, from Washington, aligns well with Godwin in terms of size and skill set. With impressive figures in 2022, McMillan stands as a potential replacement for Godwin.
Despite injury setbacks in 2023, McMillan’s talent and potential make him a strong contender for the slot. NFL Analyst Lance Zierlein praised McMillan’s skills in his pre-draft evaluation.
In summary, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers find themselves at a crucial turning point. The decisions they make now will significantly influence their route towards Super Bowl domination. Balancing the potential trade offs against Godwin’s proven talent will prove critical in their upcoming gameplay strategy. Only time will tell if they will make the necessary changes to ward off their NFC South competitors and secure a triumphant return to Super Bowl contention.