Top potential trade partners for Chris Godwin if the Bucs make a move

Since entering the league as a rookie in 2017, Chris Godwin has been one of the steadiest and most reliable No. 2 receivers in the league. In 104 career games (77 starts), Godwin has caught 529 passes for 6,690 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, and 12.6 yards per reception. In addition, Godwin has eclipsed the 1,000 receiving-yard mark in the last three seasons, and has done so in four of his six seasons in the league.

Even with inconsistent play and varying coordinators and quarterbacks, Godwin has still found success operating out of the slot. In his first season with Baker Mayfield behind center, Godwin recorded 83 receptions, 1,024 yards, two touchdowns, and 12.3 yards per catch, and posted 50+ yards in 12 of 17 games.

At 28 years old, Godwin has been an excellent complementary piece to Mike Evans, and figures to continue to be in Tampa. Coupled with the hiring of former Los Angeles Rams' and Kentucky Wildcats' offensive coordinator Liam Coen, Godwin is set up for a career year with an expected jump in targets out of the slot.

With that said, having two receivers making over $20 million has quickly become a luxury in the NFL, especially with your quarterback on a big deal. In the 2024-2025 season, Godwin will enter the third year of his three-year, $60 million contract extension signed in 2022. Just this season, Godwin will make $20 million and holds a staggering $27.5 million cap hit, the fourth-highest among receivers in the NFL.

Due to this, Godwin was listed as a potential trade candidate for Tampa Bay ahead of the 2024 draft. While no deal for Godwin materialized, reports have surfaced once again of the Bucs trading Godwin at some point before the season, or even in the days leading up to the trade deadline. If the Buccaneers decide to deal Godwin, expect these eight teams to be highlighted as the top suitors for the Pro Bowl wideout.

New York Giants

Since being drafted with the No. 6 pick in the 2019 draft, quarterback Daniel Jones has endured a polarizing five-year debut in the NFL. In 60 career games (59 starts), Jones has thrown for 12,512 passing yards, 62 touchdowns, and 40 interceptions on 64.3% completion for an 85.2 passer rating.

Even with respectable stats, Jones has a 22-36-1 record as a starter and has just one playoff win to show for it. Part of the reason is Jones has played for three different head coaches and four different offensive coordinators, with Daboll now entering his third season as head coach.

That said, Jones hasn't been surrounded by key difference-makers on offense. Last season, fifth-year receiver Darius Slayton led the Giants with 50 catches, for 770 receiving yards, and four touchdowns. In the draft, New York added LSU star receiver Malik Nabers with the No. 6 pick, who caught 89 passes for 1,569 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in his third season with the Tigers.

Outside of Slayton and Nabers, the rest of New York's receiving core remains unknown but still intriguing. Former 2022 second-round pick Wan-Dale Robinson offers versatility on the outside after posting a career year with 69 touches, 612 yards, and two touchdowns from scrimmage in 15 games (eight starts). Jalin Hyatt and veteran signing Allen Robinson round off the receiving core.

Even so, Jones is still lacking reliable downfield threats, especially with the retirement of tight end Darren Waller on Monday. While Godwin isn't the biggest or fastest receiver, his quick-twitch nature may be key in unlocking the middle and deep parts of the field for Jones this season.