Buccaneers might already have ideal Mike Evans replacement

Mike Evans' future with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is anything but clear, with the star receiver set to explore his options in free agency.

With Evans not knowing if he'll return or not, the Buccaneers will be eagerly awaiting his decision. And if it happens to be that Mike doesn't return, well, it might not be all bad for Tampa Bay.

Yes, losing a player of Evans' caliber isn't ideal, but one position the Bucs are deep in is receiver.

And one who could benefit from a potential Evans departure is Jalen McMillan.

Head coach Todd Bowles is bullish on what Jalen could do in 2026.

"He is a very talented guy and he is a very passionate guy," Bowles said via the team website. "I think he fits in great with the receiver room and he is a workhorse. He comes out to work everyday and I think he has some great football ahead of him."

More: Bills set to make perfect move for Keon Coleman

McMillan the heir to Evans?

While it isn't an exact swap, but with Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, and Tez Johnson as the other weapons, McMillan could be the downfield threat for Baker Mayfield.

With the physicality and speed to be a key option for Mayfield, McMillan could be the beneficiary of increased snaps if Evans doesn't return.

Of course, in an ideal world, Evans would have one more go around with Tampa Bay, but if he doesn't, it might not be the season-sinking move some think.

Is McMillan the heir to the Evans throne? It might be too early to tell, but he could get first crack at it.

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