Tampa Bay Buccaneers DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Free-agent wide receiver Chris Godwin is expected to draw a ton of attention in free agency this offseason. The Pro-Bowl wideout will hit free agency for the first time since he was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2017. The Bucs have made it known they want to bring back Godwin, but decided not to franchise tag him and let him walk into free agency. The New England Patriots are rumored to be a heavy favorite for Godwin, but he should have a handful of suitors. The 29-year-old has been excellent since coming into the league in 2017. It's worth noting that Godwin only played seven games this past season due to a season-ending ankle injury. Before that, Godwin posted three straight season of 1,000-plus receiving yards, so the injury shouldn't impact his value on the open market. It wouldn't be shocking to see Godwin get a deal that is worth more than $25 million per season.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that if Tampa Bay Buccaneers impending free-agent wide receiver Chris Godwin makes it to free agency, don't be surprised if the New England Patriots get involved. It's no secret that the Patriots are looking to upgrade their receiving corps with a bona fide No. 1 wideout this offseason, and after the Cincinnati Bengals placed the franchise tag on wideout Tee Higgins, Godwin would be by far and away the top available pass-catcher on the open market. However, Tampa has made Godwin a priority, and the feeling around the NFL is that they will make him a Buc for the rest of his career. It wasn't financially feasible for the Bucs to use the franchise tag on Godwin for a third straight season, but they may look to lock him up before he becomes available to other teams. The 29-year-old was on his way to a career year in 2024 alongside Mike Evans before suffering a season-ending ankle injury in mid-October.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) agreed on Tuesday to move the void date of his current contract to the final day of the new league year on March 12. Godwin's previous contract was due to void soon, which would have triggered $18 million in dead money against the team's 2025 salary cap. Tampa still has the option to place the franchise tag on the 28-year-old, but that won't be happening for the third straight year. The restructure of Godwin's contract gives the two sides more time to work out a contract extension since he's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March. Before suffering a season-ending dislocated left ankle in Week 7 against the Ravens, Godwin was on his way to a career year with 50 catches, 576 yards and five touchdowns. He should be fully recovered for the start of the 2025 season and will reprise his role as a heavily targeted No. 2 WR if he stays in Tampa.

According to ESPN's Jenna Laine, there's "no chance" the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will use the franchise tag on wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) this offseason. Sources say that the Bucs very much want to bring Godwin back in 2025, but it won't be via the franchise tag. This would be the third time that Tampa has used the franchise tag on the 28-year-old, which would have to be a 144 percent raise. The former third-rounder in 2017 out of Penn State was very productive alongside Mike Evans last year, but then he suffered a season-ending ankle injury and played in only seven games, finishing with 50 catches, 576 yards and five touchdowns on 62 targets in his eighth year with the team. Godwin is still on the right side of 30, so he should have a fairly decent free-agent market. If he returns to Tampa, he'll be working with quarterback Baker Mayfield again, albeit with the third different offensive coordinator in the last three years.

According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to attempt to re-sign wide receiver Chris Godwin. Fowler noted that multiple executives believe Godwin views himself as a "Buc-for-life," similar to Mike Evans. Godwin had his 2024 season cut short due to a season-ending ankle injury during their Week 7 contest. However, prior to the injury, Godwin was enjoying a strong season as he tallied 82.3 yards and 7.1 receptions per game. He found the back of the end zone five times and averaged a solid 11.5 yards per reception. While sidelined, rookie Jalen McMillan enjoyed a late-season breakout as he found the back of the end zone seven times over the final five contests. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Godwin's status during the offseason, as he would likely return to his role in the slot if he returns to Tampa Bay in 2025.