Tampa Bay Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht is receiving accolades for his impressive work in free agency this offseason.
His notable achievements include not only attracting top external talent but also successfully re-signing key players, such as wide receiver Chris Godwin.
Since being drafted by Jason Licht in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Chris Godwin has been a vital component of the Buccaneers’ offense. For eight seasons, he’s formed a dynamic duo with Mike Evans, serving as the trusted sidekick to Evans’ lead role. This offseason, Godwin was poised to enter free agency.
The partnership between Godwin and the Buccaneers, led by Jason Licht, has been a harmonious and fruitful one. Godwin has consistently delivered strong performances, and in return, the team has shown its appreciation, fostering a mutually beneficial and successful relationship.
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When Godwin last entered free agency, he was recovering from a serious knee injury. Despite this, the Buccaneers demonstrated their commitment to him, inking a three-year, $60 million contract. This time around, Godwin’s free agency was once again impacted by an injury, as a season-ending dislocated ankle in Week 10 limited his playing time.
Undeterred by Chris Godwin’s recent ankle injury, Jason Licht and the Buccaneers promptly extended a fair contract offer to the wide receiver.
In a candid admission to Tampa Bay Sports Radio WDAE, Licht revealed that he had genuine concerns about retaining Godwin, fearing that the receiver would depart via free agency.
“I did, to be honest with you, I did. And it’s not a good feeling. You know, it’s a stop short of throwing up in my trash can in my office.” Licht went on, “He left a lot of money on the table. He valued the culture here. The city. The fans. Being able to hopefully retire as a Buccaneer, I think there’s some value in that.”
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According to Licht, several other teams were aggressively pursuing Chris Godwin, making a strong bid to lure the eight-year veteran wide receiver away from the Buccaneers.
“Well, there were several teams that inquired, but then there was one that just kept writing a blank check. We got to a point of what we could do to keep everything together and add some pieces here and he took it. Like I said, just a man of character, and just like Lavonte and Mike Evans, I pinch myself, we’re so fortunate to have him. These guys are the driving forces for why we have such an incredible locker room.”
Licht also provided an update on Godwin’s rehabilitation progress, shedding light on the expected timeline for his return to action.
“I’m feeling very good about it.” Licht said. “He’s hitting all of his milestones, he’s hitting all of his markers. He’s where he’s supposed to be. I would never bet against Chris. Never bet against him. He’s an incredibly tough-willed person that loves the game.”
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