The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offseason priorities have centered on re-signing wide receiver Chris Godwin. However, negotiations have been complicated by Godwin’s impending free agency and recovery from a severe ankle injury.
Retaining Godwin is a priority for the Buccaneers, and it appears he’s also interested in staying. However, the deal needs to be financially appealing.
Regardless of Godwin’s decision, Baker Mayfield’s prospects for 2025 look promising under Josh Grizzard’s offense, with or without Godwin on the team.
As NFL.com’s Kevin Patra notes, the Buccaneers have a solid foundation in place with the emergence of Jalen McMillan and the consistent presence of veteran Mike Evans.
“The Bucs are trying to lock down Godwin before he hits the market, where he’s likely the top option for most clubs (with Cincinnati applying the franchise tag on Tee Higgins). Before his season-ending injury, Godwin was on a scorching pace. If Tampa keeps him, it’ll boast a premium trio.”
Patra continued,
” Evans refuses to slow down, netting his 11th straight season with 1K yards despite missing three games in 2024. McMillan shined down the stretch while playing in Godwin’s place. The third-round pick is one I’d bet on having a big Year 2 leap, regardless of whether Godwin returns. His production was not a mirage. If the Bucs can’t bring back Godwin, another wideout would be needed, but Evans and McMillan comprise a nice base for Baker Mayfield, who has to break in yet another new play-caller in 2025.”
With Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan, who impressed in Godwin’s absence last season, forming a reliable duo, the Buccaneers’ need for Godwin becomes less pressing.
While having Chris Godwin on board would undoubtedly elevate the offense, time is of the essence. With the new league year looming, the Buccaneers are facing a shrinking window to finalize a deal before other receiver-needy teams begin to circle.
The BR Rub
I know, i know, initially this seems like heresy to most Bucs fans. But step back for a minute and look at the big picture. The long-term picture. While Godwin is a fan-favorite and arguably the best WR2 in the league, his durability is a question.
In Godwin’s eight-year career he’s only played in every game three times. That’s staggering if not eye opening. As they say, your best ability is availability. That said, he does average over 1,100 yards and six touchdowns a season. Not exactly easy numbers to replace.
Baker Mayfield has demonstrated his adaptability with and without Chris Godwin, but the offense would undoubtedly benefit from having the Pro Bowl receiver on board in 2025. While his absence wouldn’t be catastrophic, his presence would be a significant advantage.
According to Spotrac, Chris Godwin’s market value is estimated at $22.2 million per year. However, given his recent injury, it’s unlikely the Buccaneers will be willing to meet that price point, which may create a gap in contract negotiations. Spotrac projects a three-year, $67.5 million contract for Chris Godwin, and it’s possible that another team may be willing to offer the 27-year-old receiver a similar or even more lucrative deal.
At the end of the day, this will come down to money. Doesn’t it always? If the Buccaneers can get Godwin to give them a hometown discount, then I think it’s a no-brainer. The flip side of that is, can the Bucs justify spending $20 million plus on two wide receivers? That might be a problem.
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