The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished the season with a 10-7 record, which earned them a home playoff game against the Washington Commanders in the Wild Card Round.
Arguably the most impressive part is they were able to do so with star wide receiver Chris Godwin only appearing in seven matchups. The Buccaneers were thriving early on, winning four of their first six matchups before Godwin suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 7 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Godwin will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and since Tampa Bay has looked good without him for half the season, there could be reduced pressure to bring him back.
Broncos Mentioned As Potential Suitor For Chris Godwin
There are a handful of suitors who 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.
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 Baker Mayfield and a future Hall of Fame wide receiver in Mike 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, is it 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.