Bucs WR Chris Godwin reveals ditching Patriots' $30,000,000 offer to stay in Tampa

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin was one of the top free agents available this offseason. However, despite interest from various teams, including the Drake Maye led New England Patriots, Godwin decided to return to Tampa Bay and sign a multi year extension with the franchise.

Despite a reported $30 million per season offer from the Patriots, Godwin made clear in an article by Dan Pompei of 'The Athletic' that Tampa Bay was the perfect place for him and his family at this stage in his life and NFL career.

"the perfect place [Tampa Bay] for me and who I am." Godwin said.

He continued by highlighting how he has enjoyed his time playing alongside one of the best wide receivers in NFL history in Mike Evans, and believes that the two have created something special during their time together representing the Buccaneers.

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"When me and Mike [Evans] are done, long gone from this organization [Tampa Bay Buccaneers], I think we’re going to look back on this time and say it was rare to have what we had." Godwin added.

Godwin is coming off another major injury suffered this past campaign, however, inked a long-term extension in Tampa Bay this offseason. According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, Godwin's new contract is a three year deal worth $66 million.

"Tampa Bay is re-signing free-agent WR Chris Godwin to a three-year, $66 million contract in which two are fully guaranteed, per sources. The deal has a max value of $72 million." Schefter outlined in a post to Instagram on March 10.

Will Chris Godwin return to his best after his serious injury?

Godwin suffered a dislocated ankle in Week 7 of the 2024 season in a game against the Baltimore Ravens. The injury cost Godwin the remainder of the 2024 season and will prove to be another hurdle for Godwin to overcome. Godwin has suffered injuries to his ACL, MCL, hand, foot, and hamstring over the past few seasons, something that has led to the star wide receiver only playing one full season (without any games missed) since 2019.

In 2019, he played 14 games, followed by 12 GP [games played] in 2020, 14 GP in 2021, 15 GP in 2022, 17 GP in 2023, and 7 GP in 2024.

However, despite the injury concern, Godwin has been elite when he is healthy and on the football field. Through only seven NFL games this past year prior to his injury, Godwin had 50 receptions for 576 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns. Extrapolated over a full season, Godwin would have had approximately 121 receptions for 1,399 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns.

Edited by Joshua Gillesby