He figures to be one of the hottest free agents of the spring. Still, Chris Godwin presents an unusual case. To date, the former third-round pick has just one 1,000-yard season on his resume. 
Godwin went off for 1,333 yards and nine touchdowns in 2019, positioning him as one of the game’s best young wideouts. His 2020 was sidetracked by multiple injuries, softening what could have been an explosive encore. To his credit, the Penn State product still notched 840 yards off of 65 catches in 12 games. He remains an essential part of Tampa Bay’s loaded skill-position corps, as evidenced by his $15.983MM franchise tag.
Godwin might have a stronger resume today if another team drafted him in 2017. Even though he’s flourished with the Bucs, he spent his first couple of years behind DeSean Jackson. Now, he’s one of several standouts, joined by the likes of Mike Evans, Antonio Brown, and Rob Gronkowski. So far, he’s still managed to shine this year with a 29/366/2 line through five games. That includes his whopper of a season opener — nine grabs for 105 yards and a score over the Cowboys.
The Buccaneers moved heaven and earth to re-up all of their stars while tagging Godwin. They’ll need to work some more magic this spring, because Godwin should easily match Kenny Golladay‘s contract. The Giants furnished Golladay with $72MM over four years, including $40MM guaranteed and another potential $4MM in incentives. Keep in mind — Golladay was 27 at the time of signing and Godwin will turn 26 in late February. Plus, Golladay was dealing with a depressed salary cap. Next year’s increase will help the young Buc.
Speaking of Golladay, the Lions still need to replace his production. Godwin would be an excellent fit, though they’ll also have to address their woeful secondary, front seven, and just about every other position group. It’s also worth noting that the Patriots — who haven’t had the best luck drafting WRs — will be cash-flush. But, given the Bucs’ ability to keep the band together, we’d be surprised to see Godwin leave Tampa next year.
How much help does tom need? He’s the goat but needs top 5 defense and 4 pro bowlers to throw to.
Look at his offenses in New England and you’ll realize how stupid your statement is.
Why is that stupid? Because Brady had a couple of years where he “only” had a first round pick (a likely bust but that’s still a first rounder spent on the position, which is a commitment) a HoF tight end, and a possible HoF receiver? I’m not sure if you’re saying that Brady needed help or not. Because this narrative that he’s never had help is just silly. Some quarterbacks have had more, sure. Most have led less.
If you’re saying that Brady has led prolific offenses though, then yes, I agree. But four former All-Pros (not Pro Bowlers-All-Pros) just at receiver/tight end (Evans, Godwin, Brown, and Gronkowski) is a lot of help. So I might be mistaken, but which point are you trying to make in response to Tatsumaki’s post?
I think you’re forgetting the first half of his career where his best weapons were guys like David Patten and Troy Brown.
That’s well and good, but we’re also talking about right now. Brady is leading what is talent-wise the most accomplished offense (and team) in the league, possibly ever. That fact should not be ignored when considering his present success.
In his 20s and 30s not much. In his 40s. A little help.
You give him everything you can because you want to make sure you compete for a Super Bowl as long as you have Brady.
Godwin’s the guy I hope Bill signs next season. Mac needs a deep threat target