Chris Godwin and Shilo Sanders play different positions and have varying pedigrees, though their current statuses intersect more than they realize. The former is a Tampa Bay Buccaneers mainstay, so much so that the team prematurely removed him from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. This questionable decision is inadvertently at least partly to blame for the latter's recent departure.
Despite being activated, Godwin isn't expected to suit up until Week 5 or later, per Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht (h/t FOX Sports' Greg Auman). The goal is to help get the star wide receiver up to speed after a devastating ankle dislocation last October. Consequently, this unconventional approach ostensibly contributed to Sanders, who was recently cut, being squeezed out of the picture in Tampa Bay.
Star WR Chris Godwin's recovery process may have cost Shilo Sanders a Buccaneers roster spot
Sanders has become an afterthought within the Bucs organization after impressing the coaching staff throughout the offseason. Alas, his preseason struggles, which were punctuated by an ejection for throwing a punch, were too much to overcome. He's had chances to convince Tampa Bay to keep him, so Godwin isn't solely responsible for the 25-year-old getting released.
As an undrafted free agent rookie safety, the odds were always against Sanders. Yet, the Bucs chose to dedicate a spot on the final 53-man squad to someone who won't be part of their lineup until October over him. That's a harsh reality check, especially when it cost him his first shot at the NFL.
Waiving third-year wideout Trey Palmer paved the way for Sanders to latch onto their practice squad. However, Tampa Bay has since replaced the son of football icon Deion "Prime Time" Sanders with fellow safety Jack Henderson, which is quite telling. It's a clear sign that they were ready to move, regardless of Godwin's health (or lack thereof).
In every stage of the league's calendar, but particularly this one, every place on the roster is precious. Meanwhile, the Bucs were comfortable rolling with an injured Godwin instead of keeping him on the shelf and allowing someone else an opportunity. Whether it be Sanders or another player, Tampa Bay is depriving itself of extra depth.
Godwin has built up significant goodwill in Tampa Bay after eight seasons with the franchise, even taking a hefty discount to re-sign with them. During this stretch, he and fellow longtime Bucs staple Mike Evans have formed one of the premier pass-catching duos in football. There's an apparent trust factor between him and the front office that seemingly isn't taken lightly.