Chris Godwin Jr. was once a focal point of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense. But in Zac Robinson’s system, the veteran wide receiver has become an afterthought.
When Mike Evans left in free agency this offseason, Godwin’s role in the offense was expected to increase significantly, but that hasn’t been the case. Instead, he’s been criminally underutilized.
Through six games, Godwin has recorded 23 receptions for 216 yards and zero touchdowns, which averages out to about four catches and 36 yards per game. His current 9.4 yards per reception average is the lowest total of his career. For comparison’s sake, he’s averaging 12.4 yards per reception throughout his career. His production is in freefall, and something’s got to give.
Chris Godwin Jr. opens up about his unfamiliar role in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense
Fox Sports’ Greg Auman spoke to Godwin about his decreased production so far this season.
“It’s definitely been interesting, different than anything I’ve been through in my career … I’m trying to stick to the process and make sure I’m where I need to be,” said Godwin.
Godwin has always been a team-first player, and he isn’t going to come right out and criticize the coaching staff or demand the ball. But his comments seem to say the quiet part out loud.
To say that his experience this season is “interesting” and “different than anything he’s been through in his career” is a telling admission.
Godwin has shown he’s capable of being a No. 1 wide receiver. He’s recorded four 1,000-yard seasons in his career, and while he hasn’t reached that milestone since 2023, he showed what he can still do when healthy by recording 108 yards and a touchdown in Week 17 last season.
The Buccaneers are the NFC’s worst team at 1-5 and the season is hanging on by a thread. The performance of the entire team is suffering, so frankly, there are bigger fish to fry than Godwin's individual receiving production.
But Godwin is a beloved player who has given his all to this franchise, and he very well could be playing his final season with the team. He of all people deserves a better ending than this.
Godwin has earned the opportunity to be a bigger part of the game plan, and getting the team’s most proven, reliable weapon more involved could be the key to getting this offense back on track.
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