The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ season came to an abrupt end on Sunday, as they were defeated in the Wild Card round by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders.
Tampa Bay’s front office can turn their attention to the NFL Draft and free agency sooner than anticipated. One of the most important decisions concerns star wide receiver Chris Godwin, who is an unrestricted free agent this summer.
However, the former Penn State Nittany Lion could be tired of acting as the No. 2 WR behind future Hall of Famer Mike Evans.
NFL Analyst Reveals a Super Bowl Contender That Could Make a Play on Bucs WR Chris Godwin
When thinking about a perfect suitor for Godwin, multiple traits come to mind: a championship contender, a strong quarterback, and the potential to pay him a desirable contract.
It’s worth noting the cap space does not exist at the moment, but signing Godwin is feasible if certain moves are made.
The Buffalo Bills check all the boxes, leading NFL analyst Erik Beaston of Bleacher Report to suggest them as a perfect suitor that could tempt Godwin to leave the Buccaneers.
“Tampa Bay has the money to pay Godwin ($22.6 million market value according to Spotrac) but one has to wonder if big contracts for Tristan Wirfs, Baker Mayfield, Antoine Winfield Jr., and Vita Vea have the team in a situation where they opt to let Godwin walk in hopes of freeing up space to address other needs,” Beaston wrote. “That could very well be the case and if so, Godwin will have no shortage of teams looking to add his talent.”
“Imagine what the Bills, a Super Bowl-contending team without him, could do with a stud receiver like the veteran wideout,” Beaston concluded.
Superstar QB Josh Allen led the Bills to a 13-4 record despite having a less-than-ideal group of targets. Khalil Shakir led the team in receiving yards with 821, so imagine the numbers Godwin could put up in a wide-open WR room.
Denver Broncos Also Mentioned As Potential Suitor for Godwin
There are a handful of teams that could make a run at Godwin, who thrives in the slot. Despite playing in just seven games, he finished the season with 50 receptions for 576 yards and five touchdowns. It’s the first year since 2020 that the 28-year-old did not crack the 1,000-yard threshold.
Chris Godwin before his ankle injury :
— 50 Catches
— 576 Yards
— 5 TouchdownsPraying for a speedy recovery ❤️🩹 pic.twitter.com/ZhfH5hoQMH
— BakerMuse (@MuseBaker) October 22, 2024
NFL analyst Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report suggested that the Denver Broncos should prioritize Godwin as their top free agent target.
“The Broncos saw a few young wide receivers emerge as good complementary weapons to Courtland Sutton,” Ballentine wrote. “Devaughn Vele and Marvin Mims Jr. have a role going forward. But signing Chris Godwin would give [Bo] Nix a dynamic veteran duo to work with during his rookie contract. Godwin ended up missing most of the season with a dislocated ankle, but he’s a proven option in the slot.”
With Nix exceeding most people’s expectations in his rookie campaign, it’s in the best interest of the Broncos’ front office to improve the group around their possible franchise quarterback. While Sutton is a proven, trusted option, Vele and Mims did nothing more than flash potential. Also, it’s worth noting that Sutton is about to turn 30 years old and enter the final year of his contract.
“Godwin could be a nice fit in [Sean] Payton’s offense and provide Nix with a vertical threat out of the slot,” Ballentine concluded. “This would be a prime example of the Broncos maximizing Nix’s rookie contract window.”
Pursuing Godwin would make sense for Denver, but the true question is where the Super Bowl champion prefers to play. The Buccaneers have a strong QB in Mayfield and a future Hall of Fame wide receiver in Evans. Also, many of Tampa Bay’s stars have re-signed in recent years, which is a testament to their strong culture.
While Godwin and Evans are very close, it is possible the veteran wideout wants a chance to serve as a team’s No. 1 option. Also, how would he feel about teaming up with an inexperienced quarterback rather than continuing to play with Mayfield in an offense he knows he’ll thrive in?
Regardless of what uniform Godwin is wearing next season, health is seemingly the lone obstacle standing in his way of yet another 1,000-yard season.