A few weeks ago, I wrote about the Buccaneers’ prospects this offseason, noting that bringing back former Pro Bowl wide receiver Chris Godwin should be the summer’s top priority. Within 10 minutes after the negotiation period opened, Tampa Bay got it done, inking Godwin to a three-year, $66-million deal, per Ian Rapaport. Godwin reportedly sacrificed about $20 million in possible earnings to remain with his incumbent team.
It’ll be welcome news for a Buccaneers franchise that owns the longest active playoff streak in the NFC, having topped the NFC South in each of the past four seasons. Godwin has been instrumental in helping resurrect quarterback Baker Mayfield’s career, accumulating 133 catches for 1,600 yards and seven touchdowns in the 24 games he played with Mayfield before suffering a season-ending dislocated ankle in a Week 7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Mike Evans’ reliability and Mayfield’s dual-threat ability always made him a top fantasy option for the 2025 season, but Godwin’s return only solidifies his status.
Re-signing Godwin also impacts Tampa Bay’s possible draft plans, given that Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III was linked with the team by some analysts. With Godwin returning, the Buccaneers are less likely to draft a wide receiver with their first-round pick and can instead use the draft to fill other positions of need, such as the offensive line. They solved some of their edge rushing concerns by signing Haason Reddick to a one-year, $14-million pact and linebacker Lavonte David also inked a one-year, $10-million deal.
