Copyright newsweek
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered two brutal losses last Monday. Not only did they fall to the Detroit Lions in a potential NFC Championship Game preview, but they also watched as star wide receiver Mike Evans went down with a broken collarbone that could very well keep him sidelined for the remainder of the season. This is far from the only injury that has befallen the Buccaneers’ receiving corps this year. Chris Godwin sustained a fibula injury after just returning from injured reserve in Week 5, and Jalen McMillan has yet to step on the field as a result of a neck sprain he endured during the preseason. Read more: Giants Insider Reveals New York’s Most Likely WR Trade So, will Tampa Bay pursue wide receiver help via trade? Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports says that’s a negative. “One team that likely won’t be competing with the Broncos or Steelers for a wideout is Tampa Bay,” Jones wrote. “The Buccaneers lost Mike Evans for most of the remaining season on Monday night, and he’s in the final year of his contract, too. But the Bucs are getting Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan back from injury this season. Bucs GM Jason Licht isn’t usually a big swinger at the trade deadline, and he and his group have had excellent drafts in recent years.” TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 28: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on during the second half of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers were widely viewed as Super Bowl contenders heading into the season, but with Evans now potentially sidelined for the year, it’s going to be difficult for Baker Mayfield and Co. to live up to those expectations. And even if Tampa Bay did try to add a receiver by the deadline, who are the Bucs going to acquire that is as good as Evans? Miami Dolphins star Jaylen Waddle seems to be off the table, and there is no way the New Orleans Saints are trading Chris Olave within the division (plus, it doesn’t seem like he is available, anyway). The Buccaneers could always take a look at Las Vegas Raiders receiver Jakobi Meyers, but the 29-year-old is in the final year of his deal. It seems somewhat unlikely that Tampa Bay will give up draft capital for a player who could simply walk at the end of the season. Read more: Bills’ Trade Deadline Plans Could Take Wild Twist After Latest Report It seems like Tampa Bay is banking on both Godwin and McMillan to return healthy, and let’s not forget how much of a stud Emeka Egbuka has been during his rookie campaign. The Buccaneers are 5-2 and will face the Saints on Sunday. For more on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
