New rookie wideout Jalen McMillan may spell the end of Buccaneers star receiver, Chris Godwin so will a trade happen? According to several reports, many sources predict that Tampa Bay will eventually move on from Godwin after this upcoming season. McMillan is a slot receiver just like Godwin so there’s a chance he could surpass him considering the Buccaneers have to adjust the veteran’s contract next offseason. However, if they see McMillan outperform Godwin then the chances of Tampa Bay letting Godwin walk in free agency next year are high.
It may be logical for the Buccaneers to put him on the trade block now if this scenario happens. Mike Evans and Godwin are the clear frontrunners this upcoming year as the starters but it all depends on how Godwin performs if they want to bring him back. McMillan will have a huge impact on that decision and it would be smart in terms of salary cap to keep him around and trade Godwin before it’s too late next offseason. However, it wouldn’t allow for the Buccaneers to see what Godwin can prove this year so the likelihood of a trade is slim but anything can happen.
Godwin put up a productive 2023 campaign, notching 1,024 yards but only 83 receptions. His numbers have been dipping but that could be because Dave Canales put him in an unusual spot as a deep threat when he’s supposed to be in the slot. However, the new offense and going back to where he saw a ton of success could reignite his play. Only time can tell whether Tampa Bay will feel comfortable moving on with McMillan because many are saying the team got a steal.
Godwin will garner plenty of interest if he’s on the trade block, here are some potential fits.
New Rookie Jalen McMillan May Spell End of Buccaneers Star Receiver Chris Godwin, Trade?
Potential Trade Fits
Baltimore Ravens
The likelihood of this trade is high considering that Tampa Bay would want to trade him somewhere outside of their division. The Ravens are loading up on offense but the slot position has been a disappointment despite them extending Rashod Bateman. Baltimore is bringing Nelson Agholor on a one-year basis but if they want a long-term solution then Godwin is your answer. Bateman hasn’t been doing anything special to move this offense to high productivity other than Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews.
So the addition of Godwin should add some competition for Bateman in the slot.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are surprisingly still in the market for a wideout despite bringing in Mecole Hardman for some help. He’s for short-term relief but they haven’t been able to find anyone special since trading Tyreek Hill a couple of years back. Xavier Worthy is showing some similar characteristics but no one should anticipate him to shine bright come week one. Rashee Rice isn’t starting for a few weeks due to off-field issues so that leaves Marquise Brown, Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore as the receivers behind them.
This doesn’t sound like a super-worthy wideout caliber team so Godwin’s addition should make them unstoppable.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have been seeing a lot of their key starters Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Gerald Everett move on to other teams. This leaves Justin Herbert in doubt and Los Angeles can’t afford to lose any more players for their top-5 quarterback. Trading for Godwin would instantly become the true No. 1 receiver on this roster and boost this lackluster depth that includes Quentin Johnson and Josh Palmer. Ladd McConkey is showing promise at camp but he won’t be ready just yet under the lights on prime-time.
