No, the Buccaneers Aren’t Trading a WR to the Steelers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receivers Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan were one of the NFL’s most explosive wide receiver trios heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.

Despite Chris Godwin’s season-ending injury in 2024, Jalen McMillan seized the opportunity, emerging as a trusted target for Baker Mayfield. McMillan racked up 461 receiving yards and showed a knack for scoring. He did so particularly down the stretch, hauling in eight touchdowns as the Buccaneers pushed for a playoff spot.

Mike Evans’ credentials remain unmatched. With six Pro Bowls and over 12,000 receiving yards, 105 touchdowns, he’s consistently proven himself one of the league’s most dominant receivers.

Godwin’s career has been plagued by injuries, but when healthy, he’s a formidable threat. In 2024, he was on track for a standout season with 50 catches, 576 yards, and five touchdowns before a severe knee injury in Week 7 derailed his year.

Despite being a top free agent target, the Buccaneers locked down Godwin long-term, signing him to a 3-year, $66 million deal with $44 million guaranteed.

The Buccaneers’ trio of Evans, Godwin, and McMillan already posed a formidable threat, but the team bolstered its receiving corps with a dynamic addition in the draft. That addition was Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuga in the first round. With this lineup, defenses face a daunting challenge in 2025.

Enter Pittsburgh

The Steelers’ trade of George Pickens to the Cowboys creates a significant void at wide receiver, and they’ll likely look to bolster their corps, particularly with DK Metcalf as a counterpart.

According to Liam Rebellato of “Last Word on Sports,” the Steelers might pursue a trade for Chris Godwin and/or Jalen McMillan from the Buccaneers. While it’s unlikely Tampa would trade Godwin so soon after re-signing him, McMillan could be a more plausible target.

Rebellato on the potential trade for Godwin,

“With Tampa Bay drafting Emeka Egbuka in round 1of the 2025 NFL draft, Godwin may be worth making a call for. He’s a physical, reliable option who can play inside or out.”

Rebellato on potential trade for McMillan,

“McMillan could be a sneaky trade target for the Steelers. With the Buccaneers already loaded at wide receiver—featuring Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, and Trey Palmer, McMillan may see less snaps. He has promising upside as a polished route-runner and could thrive with more opportunity in Pittsburgh.”

The BR Rub

Look, we understand that outlets have to put out content. But at some point people need to look a little deeper into the viability, even believability before posting content.

Why would the Bucs re-sign Godwin just to trade him? And why would the Buccaneers trade McMillan with all of his potential upside? Then factor in that Mike Evans is getting up there in age with Godwin not far behind, this take is laughable.

Yes the Bucs drafted two receivers in the last two drafts, three in the last three if you count Trey Palmer. But these picks were as much for the future as for the here and now.

Again, we get it, like us, you have to put out content. Have to keep the wheels greased. But as Chris Carter used to say, “C’MON MAN!”