Bucs’ Chris Godwin Uncertain For Week 1

The Buccaneers did not outbid the Patriots for Chris Godwin, but they won the free agency derby to complete yet another high-profile retention. Godwin returned on a three-year, $66MM deal, marking the second time the Bucs paid their longtime No. 2 wide receiver coming off a major injury.

Godwin sustained a dislocated ankle in Week 7 of last season, stopping a big season. When Godwin went down, he was the NFL’s second-leading receiver. That created momentum, but he passed on Steelers interest and what he said was a $30MM-AAV Pats offer to stay in Tampa once again. The third-contract player, though, is not certain to start the season on time.

Placed on the active/PUP list after undergoing a second ankle procedure, Godwin is hitting checkpoints during his rehab. Jason Licht said (via Fox Sports’ Greg Auman) the ninth-year veteran is not considered certain to be ready by Week 1. More notably, Licht did not rule out the reserve/PUP list for the standout receiver. That outcome would sideline Godwin for at least four games. Godwin, 29, went down Oct. 21, 2024.

Tampa Bay saw Godwin make it back from late-December ACL and MCL tears in time for the 2022 season, debuting in Week 1 of that year. This came months after the Bucs extended him on a three-year, $60MM deal. Godwin returned but did not match his best form over the next two seasons, even though he tacked his third and fourth 1,000-yard years onto his resume. Last season brought 82.3 yards per game, which reminded of his 2019 breakout (95.2; 1,333 in total). It is possible the Bucs will need to wait longer for that form to resurface.

The team is rather deep at receiver, however. The Bucs rebuffed trade interest for their No. 19 overall pick, staying and making a somewhat surprising move — considering the Godwin re-signing and 2024 third-rounder Jalen McMillan‘s presence — to select Emeka Egbuka. The Texans, Broncos and Rams were eyeing the Ohio State talent, who will assuredly play a big Bucs role early. But the team still has McMillan (eight rookie-year TDs) and, of course, Mike Evans. The latter is again in a contract year, however, and Egbuka provides some insurance in case no fourth contract keeps Evans in Tampa beyond 2025.

The Bucs will hope this Godwin story is in the past early in the season, as he and Evans continue to move up the ranks in terms of all-time WR duos. For now, though, the team may need to again lean on McMillan while preparing Egbuka for a slot role Godwin has also played. Once Godwin returns, an interesting quartet would be available to Baker Mayfield.