Eight-Year Pro Bowl Receiver Inks Deal with the Buccaneers
Entering the offseason, the wide receiver free agent market was set to include some big-time names, such as Tee Higgins, Stefon Diggs, and Amari Cooper. However, one of the most intriguing free agents available for NFL teams was arguably veteran wideout Chris Godwin. The 28-year-old entered free agency after a shortened 2024-25 season, having suffered a season-ending injury early on that significantly impacted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ season. Quarterback Baker Mayfield and Tampa Bay had to adjust to life without one of their most reliable receiving targets for the remainder of the year. Despite the lost season, the eight-year starter remained a viable option for teams looking to upgrade at wide receiver and add a playmaker to their offense. Following much speculation, it was reported by Ian Rapoport that the Buccaneers and Godwin have agreed to a three-year deal worth $66 million, as the six-foot-one wideout will return to Tampa Bay.
The veteran receiver was drafted by the Buccaneers, where he quickly became an excellent number-two option in the Buccaneers' offense. Through his first three NFL seasons, Godwin wasted no time emerging as a dynamic target alongside future Hall of Fame receiver Mike Evans. Godwin secured his first 1,000-yard season in 2019, his third year, finishing with a career-high 1,333 yards and nine receiving touchdowns, which earned him his first Pro Bowl selection. Since then, Godwin has also added a Super Bowl ring to his resume, having been part of the Bucs’ Super Bowl victory over the Chiefs in 2020 with quarterback Tom Brady.
Last season, Godwin was coming off his third consecutive 1,000-yard season in 2023 and was entering the final year of his three-year contract extension, signed back in 2022. Through the first six weeks, Godwin appeared destined for his fourth straight 1,000-yard season, highlighted by an 11-reception, 125-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Saints in Week Six. However, the following week on Monday Night Football against the Ravens, Godwin suffered a gruesome ankle dislocation injury late in the fourth quarter, with the game out of reach. He was carted off the field, and his season came to an unfortunate close. Despite this setback, Godwin will undoubtedly play a significant role in the Bucs’ offense next season, assuming he remains healthy, as both the Buccaneers and Godwin aim for Super Bowl glory yet again.
