Chris Godwin's ankle injury earlier this season left a significant void in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiving room. Future Hall of Famer Mike Evans remained a more than capable No. 1 option, but Godwin was Baker Mayfield's most utilized target.
Since the Bucs have already committed a considerable sum of their cap space to other pieces on the roster, they may not be able to afford the price tag of Godwin once he hits free agency this offseason.
Tampa Bay has survived without him and continued to find success with their other pieces on offense. However, some feel they have a chance to add to their arsenal in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Bleacher Report Scouting tabbed Texas receiver Matthew Golden as an option for the Bucs as they retool their wide receiver position.
"With Chris Godwin's contract about to expire, Bucs GM Jason Licht is likely doing his homework on this year's wide receiver class in the draft. The Texas product has the versatility to line up out wide or in the slot, which could make him a good fit to replace Godwin."
There is depth to this year's class of pass catchers and Golden could fill the playmaking needs for the Bucs' offense. But does Tampa Bay already have their replacement waiting to be crowned?
The void Godwin left also created an opportunity for the other receivers on the roster. Specifically in the last few weeks, Jalen McMillan has stepped up to task and become a go-to player for Mayfield in the passing game.
McMillan has four touchdowns in his last three games and has averaged nearly seven targets in each of those contests. He also a reception of 15 yards or more in each of his last four games.
The rookie receiver is becoming a more trusted option and a player with a capacity for big plays. McMillan's next step will be maintaining that level of success when defenses put more attention on him while building upon what he has already done.
Replacing Godwin will not be easy and if that parting of ways does in fact happen, Tampa Bay will need to evaluate all options. But McMillan has made his case and shown promise that should be encouraging for this organization as they head into the offseason.
