‘Loyal’ Chris Godwin turned down a team that was “writing him blank checks” to stay with the Bucs

The 29-year-old Delawarean Chris Godwin reportedly rejected a contract valued almost 30 million USD more to stay in Florida

‘Loyal’ Chris Godwin turned down a team that was “writing him blank checks” to stay with the Bucs

Chris Godwin (Image via PFN)

At the beginning of March, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin reaffirmed his commitment to the franchise by taking less money to stay with the team. The wideout signed a $66 million deal, including $44 million guaranteed, and shall remain with the team for another three years.

Despite receiving interest from multiple teams in free agency, Godwin ultimately decided that Tampa Bay is where he belongs. The Buccaneers’ General Manager, Jason Licht, revealed that at least one team was prepared to offer Godwin a significantly higher contract. However, Godwin chose to accept a more team-friendly deal to help the Buccaneers maintain a competitive roster.

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Speaking on WDAE, Licht revealed that one team was willing to go to great lengths, writing blank cheques to bring him home.

There were several teams that inquired, but there was one that kept writing him blank checks. We got to a point of what we could do in order to keep everything together and add some pieces here, and he took it.

Jason Licht said

While Licht did not specify which team made the lucrative offer, reports suggest that the New England Patriots were among the suitors. The New England Patriots have been one of the most aggressive teams this offseason, bringing in several players and spending millions without a second look.

Chris Godwin’s loyalty also didn’t go unnoticed. Licht praised Godwin’s personality and his selflessness.

“A man of character. We’re so fortunate to have him,” Licht stated.

Chris Godwin re-signing makes Tampa Bay Bucs leading contenders in the NFC

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made two big moves in the offseason. Initailly, they signed veteran wide receiver Chris Godwin to a three year deal. Godwin, who’s been a part of the tandem with Mike Evans, has been one of the best in the business for some time. Additionally, they also signed in Haason Reddick, who has been a consistent player in football for the last four years.

Chris Godwin
Chris Godwin (Image via Reuters)

The emergence of Baker Mayfield as a solid and trusting quarterback adds value to the roster. He is well nourished with options in offense which has shot them up high in NFC’s potential leaders coming year. It turns out quite well, as Eric Edholm’s latest power rankings place Tampa Bay at a solid No. 9.

Getting Chris Godwin back was a coup, and Baker Mayfield could have an even better season in 2025 than he did in ’24. Godwin, Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan are a good top three at receiver, and Bucky Irving emerged as a starting back by season’s end. The defense should benefit from the pass-rush help brought by the addition of Haason Reddick. The NFC South remains a division in flux, and the Bucs feel like the kings until proven otherwise. Are they championship contenders? I’m not quite there yet.

Eric Edholm wrote in an article for NFL.com

The Bucs faced some limited challenges from the Atlanta Falcons while the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers are still in the rebuild phase. There’s not much to fear here for the NFC South team. However, they shall face challenges from the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and the up and coming Washington Commanders.