Jalen McMillan has emerged in recent weeks, and people are noticing. The Bucs offense was explosive in 2024, and that was without Chris Godwin for most of it. McMillan allowed this team to keep going and growing as the season went on, and that isn’t being lost on anyone.
Ian Valentino of The 33rd Team wrote up his choices for X-factors for each NFL playoff team, and the rookie wide receiver was his choice for the Bucs.
Valentino writes, “. . .a switch was flipped in McMillan. He’s been a more prominent feature within the offense, and his role in beating New Orleans to win the NFC South already capped off a great finish to the season. . .Evans will always be the alpha in Tampa Bay, but McMillan now has Baker Mayfield’s trust. They must continue leaning into their emerging star to survive in the playoffs.”
McMillan looks to be a long-term option for the team alongside Mike Evans. If the team brings back Chris Godwin, the three of them could compliment each other with their roles. The playoffs will be very telling for what the Bucs future plans could hold for him.