The Buccaneers have plenty of options at receiver in 2021.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in a great position going into the 2021 NFL season. The Bucs were able to re-sign all of their key free agents except for Antonio Brown so far, and receiver is already the position they need in free agency the least.
If Brown is willing to stay on a smaller contract, everyone should expect him to remain with Tom Brady in Tampa. If Brown can get an offer from someone else that is tied to more money or a better situation, the Bucs could be on their way to needing a new third receiver for 2021.
The good news is that Tampa Bay has plenty of options to lean on in the event of Brown’s departure. AB could easily remain, but for argument’s sake, the Buccaneers need to stay prepared.
The Buccaneers have plenty of options
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The two names that come to the forefront of the conversation are Scotty Miller and Tyler Johnson. Both of these young players are former late-round draft picks, but their contributions have been hard to ignore.
Miller and Johnson both make big plays when called upon, and Brady clearly trusts both of them. Whichever one earns the “starting” #3 spot, the other won’t be far behind in terms of usage.
In the end, what it comes down to is positional fit. The Bucs were able to re-sign their starting slot receiver in Chris Godwin, and this cuts into the potential for Johnson, another player that is comfortable in the slot, to make a compelling case as the number three.
While everyone wants to lump Miller in with guys like Julian Edelman based on build, Miller actually lines up on the outside, and what a good fit that is. While he isn’t as fast as a player like Tyreek Hill, Miller is emerging as one of the fastest receivers in the NFL with plenty of upside.
Brady took a liking to Miller almost immediately, so if Brown does depart, Miller looks like the best fit from a need and fit standpoint. While Miller would likely be third on the depth chart, expect Tyler Johnson’s role in 2021 to expand as well.
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