After a disappointing 3-14 season, the pressure is mounting for the New York Giants to make a splash, and both general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll find themselves on the hot seat. The team is entering a pivotal offseason and holds the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, putting them in a solid position to select a franchise quarterback.
With the Giants likely to draft a rookie quarterback, surrounding him with talent will be a top priority. They cannot afford to provide so many excuses for poor production like they did with Daniel Jones, failing to fix the offensive line and receiving corps before handing him a big contract.
That’s where Malik Nabers comes in. The sixth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is already a game-changing weapon for New York. But while Nabers is loaded with potential, he’ll need veteran guidance as he embarks on NFL superstardom. According to USA Today’s Jacob Camenker, the Giants are expected to address that by possibly adding a proven playmaker — Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Chris Godwin.
New York Giants Linked to Chris Godwin in Free Agency
New York offered Nabers and not much else on offense in 2024. With veteran receiver Darius Slayton set to depart in free agency, there’s a vacancy opposite Nabers that could help take the unit to the next level.
In a recent article, Camenker explained why New York should be aggressive in free agency.
“The Giants need to be in win-now mode with Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen on the hot seat. That will require the team to find plug-and-play starters in free agency and build up the team’s offense around whoever will play quarterback.
“The Giants seem likely to land a rookie quarterback, so adding weapons around Malik Nabers will be critical. Godwin was Tampa Bay’s top receiver last season before suffering a season-ending ankle dislocation and would be a great slot addition for New York.”
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Godwin, an eight-year veteran with 41 career touchdowns (39 receiving, two rushing), has long been one of the league’s most reliable slot receivers. Before his injury in Week 7 last season, he was on pace for another 1,000-yard campaign, finishing with 576 yards and five touchdowns in just seven games.
Godwin’s Value and Potential Fit in New York
Godwin enters free agency as one of the most sought-after wide receivers on the market. He’s the fourth-ranked option in PFSN’s Top 100 Free Agents, highlighting both his impressive track record and some concerns about his recovery.
“Chris Godwin’s eight-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be drawing to a close, but the circumstances are far from ideal. He suffered an ankle dislocation in Week 7 and missed the final 10 games of the season. That will raise some concerns from teams, who may want to see him work out before committing in excess of $20 million per year to the veteran receiver.
“Prior to the injury, Godwin was on track for a fourth-straight 1,000-yard season and his fifth in six years. He was on track to beat his career highs of 1,333 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns.
“Godwin’s efficiency this year was impressive, with an 80.6% catch rate and a 72.6% success rate when targeted. When Godwin was targeted this year, Baker Mayfield had a 125.5 passer rating, which ranks fifth among receivers with more than 50 targets this season.”
For the Giants, signing Godwin would be a major step forward to revitalizing their offense, which finished with a PFN Offense+ rating of 59.7(F), only better than the Cleveland Browns. Not only would he provide a reliable safety net for their next quarterback, but he’d also serve as a mentor for Nabers, who is expected to be the team’s long-term WR1.
If the Giants are serious about improving their offense and giving their rookie quarterback the best chance to succeed, adding Godwin could be a game-changing move, even if it comes with some injury risk.
