The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are counting on several young players to take another step in 2026. Quarterback Connor Bazelak believes wide receiver Jalen McMillan is among them.
Bazelak recently joined James Hill on the BucsGameday YouTube channel. During the interview, he discussed several teammates who have stood out this offseason. McMillan topped his list.
Bazelak Sees A Breakout Coming
“Now that J-Mac is healthy, like, he’s unbelievable!” Bazelak said. “He’s going to be awesome this year for us and I think he’s probably one of the most underrated receivers in the league just because he hasn’t played a ton, he was a rookie two years ago, didn’t play a ton last year, but he can roll. He’s fun to watch, fun to throw to, yeah, he was a lot of fun to throw to for two months.”
Bazelak said he has worked with several teammates this offseason. That group included Kameron Johnson, Devin Culp and Garrett Greene.
Even with those workouts, McMillan immediately came to mind. Bazelak believes the third-year receiver is ready for a much bigger season.
Practice Squad Experience Paid Off
Bazelak spent most of his rookie season on Tampa Bay’s practice squad. He also dressed for the Week 13 game against the Arizona Cardinals.
While playing time was limited, the experience proved valuable. Bazelak learned from veteran players and coaches every week.
He also built chemistry with teammates during practices and offseason throwing sessions. Those opportunities gave him an inside look at the roster’s young talent.
McMillan Ready For A Bigger Role
McMillan flashed his potential as a rookie. He caught eight touchdown passes despite sharing snaps in a deep receiver room.
A neck injury prevented him from building on that success last season. Now healthy, expectations are climbing once again.
The Buccaneers also enter 2026 without the franchise’s all-time leading receiver. That leaves more opportunities for McMillan to become a featured target.
If Bazelak’s evaluation proves accurate, Tampa Bay may already have its next breakout playmaker waiting in the wings.
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