With Mike Evans leaving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason, Chris Godwin is suddenly the elder statesman in the wide receiver room.Â
The locker room will depend heavily on his production and leadership, and he’s one of the team’s most important players entering 2026.
His contract reflects that importance, but not everyone around the league views the deal favorably.
Bleacher Report delivers brutal ranking of Chris Godwin’s contract
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon ranked the 10 worst contracts in the NFL entering the 2026 season.
Godwin came in at No. 2, behind only Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.Â
Godwin signed a three-year deal worth $66 million with $44 million guaranteed last offseason. Godwin turned down a significantly higher offer from the New England Patriots to stay home in Tampa Bay, so the Bucs actually got a hometown discount relative to his market. Â
Gagnon wrote:Â
"“The 30-year-old has failed to play in double-digit games in back-to-back seasons and his productivity when healthy plummeted in 2025. Godwin hasn't put up 1,200 yards or scored eight touchdowns since 2019, which is also the last time he was a Pro Bowler or All-Pro. His $33.7 million 2026 cap hit ranks No. 1 among wide receivers, and the team would have to bite the bullet on a $16.2 million dead-cap charge to move on in 2027.""Brad Gagnon, Bleacher Report
It’s fair to express concern over the fact that Godwin holds the highest cap hit of any wide receiver next season, knowing he’s been battling injuries for a few years now.Â
But Godwin came on strong down the stretch last year, and looked to finally be at full health. In Week 17, with the playoffs on the line, Godwin recorded seven receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown.
He’s still capable of being a No. 1 option and a valuable security blanket for Baker Mayfield.Â
With Godwin being the team’s longest tenured player entering the new season and taking on the most critical role of his career, the cost is justifiable.
What might be perceived as a slight overpay to the rest of the league is worth it for the Buccaneers thanks to everything Godwin brings to the table both on and off the field in Tampa Bay.
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