Chris Godwin, Super Bowl champion and beloved Tampa Bay Buccaneers mainstay, is set to hit free agency in a few weeks when the new league year begins. That is, of course, unless Tampa Bay finds a way to lock him down on a new deal before then.
At 29 years old, Godwin has earned the hype. He was a critical part of the offense during the team's Super Bowl run back in 2020, finishing with 110 yards in the NFC Championship Game while averaging 57.4 yards across seven playoff games.
He’s clutch, no question about it.
With his contract expiring, the Bucs face a tough call: pay up for a $50-$60 million deal that would eat up around 8 percent of their cap space or move on from a key player.
Should the Buccaneers move on from Chris Godwin in 2025?
Godwin’s a stud, but his long-term injury risk seems to be a ticking clock.
Season-ending injuries in 2021 and 2024—both late in the year, both before playoff berths—left the Bucs shorthanded when it mattered. At his age, those lower-body issues aren’t getting lighter. Meanwhile, the 2025 draft could be a goldmine for Tampa Bay with the No. 19 pick.
With QB-hungry teams picking early and a deep class at defensive line and running back, top wideout prospects might slide. The Bucs could snag a cheaper, younger replacement without blinking.
Who Replaces Chris Godwin if the Bucs move on?
There are two potential routes the Buccaneers could go to replace Godwin if it comes to that. The NFL Draft might prove the most useful, with prospects like Emeka Egbuka and Luther Burden III as clear fits, but Tetairoa McMillan—6’5”, 212 pounds and no relation to current Buc Jalen McMillan—should have the front office salivating. He’s the draft’s premier wide receiver prospect, with a Mike Evans-esque frame and a playmaking streak to match: 16 yards per catch and 26 touchdowns over three college seasons.
Trading up to pair him with Evans could forge a terrifying tandem, vaulting the Bucs back into Super Bowl contention.
If the Bucs end up going the free agency route then bringing Godwin back is their best option. There might be some low wattage moves out there but it won’t be anything splashy. Think more along the lines of the team adding Sterling Shephard last year than getting Davante Adams or trading for DK Metcalf.
Tampa Bay has a ton of talent already in the building, and if Godwin leaves chances are they’ll lean on those guys.
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