Chris Godwin is 29 years old and entering his ninth NFL season. Despite tearing his ACL in Week 7 last year, Godwin projects to be one of the most sought-after wide receivers on the 2025 free agent market. Thus far, he’s spent his entire NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but Godwin could be playing elsewhere in 2025.
Why Chris Godwin Is So Appealing to Teams
Godwin was on pace for one of his best seasons as a pro in 2024 before his year ended abruptly against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7. The former Penn State star tallied 50 receptions for 576 yards and five touchdowns in just seven games. His 7.1 receptions per game would have been the best mark of his career, while his 82.3 receiving yards average would have ranked second only to his Pro Bowl season in 2019.
Godwin ranks as PFSN’s fourth-best free agent on their list of the Top 100 Free Agents.
“Prior to the injury, Godwin was on track for a fourth-straight 1,000-yard season and his fifth in six years,” said PFSN’s Ben Rolfe. “He was on track to beat his career highs of 1,333 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Godwin’s efficiency this year was impressive, with an 80.6% catch rate and a 72.6% success rate when targeted.”
“Godwin has made himself an incredibly valuable slot receiver across his career,” Rolfe added. “In 2024, he took 61.5% of his snaps from the slot, ranking 16th among qualified receivers. That role has proven extremely valuable to teams, and there should be plenty of demand for Godwin’s services.”
PFSN projects Godwin to land a two- to four-year contract worth between $20 million and $25 million annually, according to Rolfe’s predictions of the largest free agent contracts.
“A smart contract for both sides would be a three- or four-year deal worth a base of $20 million per year, with around $25 million fully guaranteed at signing,” Rolfe said. “Incentives or escalators based on playing time and performance could then push the average annual value closer to $25 million across the life of the deal.”
5 Potential Landing Spots for Godwin
With Tee Higgins getting franchise-tagged by the Cincinnati Bengals and most top free agent wide receivers on the wrong side of 30, Godwin may be the top option on many teams’ wish lists.
Additionally, the 2025 NFL Draft is weaker at the position than in most years, so teams could prioritize other needs in the draft. Combine that with Godwin’s ability to play outside or in the slot, and it’s easy to see why he’s a great fit for many teams.
So, where does he make the most sense?
New England Patriots
Drake Maye showed flashes in 2025 that proved he could be a difference-maker for the New England Patriots. Outside of Maye, though, the team has several holes, particularly on offense.
Luckily for Maye, the Patriots lead the league in cap space, with $125,137,728, and hold the No. 4 overall pick in the draft.
Godwin would instantly be Maye’s top target and could line up both outside and in the slot for a team that needs help in both areas. He would join a skill-position group that includes Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, Hunter Henry, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, and Kendrick Bourne.
Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen was the NFL’s MVP in 2024 after throwing for 3,731 yards, 28 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He also added 531 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, leading the Buffalo Bills to a 13-4 record.
Despite a dominant regular season, the Bills fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game. They had a strong rushing attack but lacked dynamic playmakers in the passing game.
Khalil Shakir emerged as Allen’s top target from the slot, recording a career-high 76 receptions for 821 yards and four touchdowns. His breakout year earned him a four-year contract extension.
However, Dalton Kincaid hasn’t been as dynamic as many expected, and Buffalo’s trade-deadline acquisition of Amari Cooper didn’t change much. Adding Godwin in free agency would give Allen his best weapon since trading Stefon Diggs and could be the key to finally overcoming Kansas City.
Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers went 11-6 in 2024, Jim Harbaugh’s first season as head coach. Harbaugh focused on the run game but was forced to pass more as the season progressed.
The team drafted Ladd McConkey in the second round, and he proved to be a major find. In 16 games as a rookie, McConkey caught 82 passes for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns. Outside of him, though, Los Angeles still needs another wide receiver.
Quentin Johnston improved in Year 2 but continues to struggle with drops and hasn’t lived up to his first-round status. Adding Godwin would take pressure off McConkey and Johnston and help Herbert take another step forward.
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans entered 2024 with a loaded WR room, but injuries kept them from seeing their full potential. Tank Dell will miss much of 2025 with a torn ACL, and Diggs is a free agent.
In his free agent projections, Rolfe predicts the Texans will sign Godwin.
“Adding Godwin would give Houston a slot receiver to complement Nico Collins on the outside,” Rolfe said. “They could still draft an outside weapon, but a combo of Collins, Godwin, Dalton Schultz, and Joe Mixon would make this one of the NFL’s best skill-position groups.”
Houston has since added Christian Kirk, and pairing him with Godwin would give C.J. Stroud a dynamic trio as the Texans push for a deep playoff run.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
While several teams could lure Godwin away, if the money is right, returning to Tampa Bay makes sense for both sides. Godwin already has chemistry with Baker Mayfield and would continue forming a strong trio with Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan.
Additionally, staying in Tampa would allow Godwin to rehab with the team’s medical staff, which could be a big factor after his ACL injury. If he opts for a one-year prove-it deal before re-entering the market next year, Tampa Bay could be his best option.
Where Godwin ends up will be one of the biggest free agent storylines. And as one of the top available wide receivers, he could set the market.
You’re missing the most Obvious place for Godwin to land in(where his former OC is now the HC-‘DUUUVAL’)!!!…