The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are facing a pivotal decision this offseason regarding wide receiver Chris Godwin as he heads into free agency. General manager Jason Licht has a tough choice on his hands, weighing the value of retaining a proven playmaker against the potential rise of Jalen McMillan, the team’s promising third-round pick.
McMillan stepped up impressively after Godwin suffered a broken ankle in Week 7, showing that he can hold his own at the NFL level. The question now is whether the Buccaneers believe in his abilities enough to elevate him on the depth chart, potentially paving the way for a shift in their passing game strategy.
As discussions heat up, there’s chatter around the financial implications of Godwin’s return. Having franchise-tagged him in consecutive seasons, it’s becoming clearer that tagging him for a third straight year would be a steep expense. According to CBS Sports’ Joel Corry, it would be “too cost prohibitive,” and under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the tag amount would be either 144% of his 2024 salary or the highest number at any position, which is quarterback. That’s a hefty price for a team that may have other financial considerations to manage.
Godwin, despite battling injuries last season and missing ten games due to his dislocated ankle, is still a valuable asset. At just 28 years old, he’s likely to attract significant interest from multiple teams, which puts the urgency on the Buccaneers to solidify their plans. They’ll need to balance keeping a proven veteran like Godwin while also nurturing the development of McMillan, who they have invested in and shown promise.
ESPN’s Jenna Laine reported the Bucs maintain a strong desire to keep Godwin this offseason, stating, “Sources told ESPN the Bucs absolutely want Godwin back and will do everything in their power to make that happen, with no concern about his recovery from a dislocated left ankle in Week 7.” This echoes their past commitment; they rewarded him with a sizable three-year, $60 million deal after he faced major knee injuries in 2021, demonstrating the faith they have in his abilities to return to form.
But as we know, actions speak louder than words in the NFL, and while the Bucs are keen to keep Godwin in the fold, they’ll have to navigate negotiations carefully. Conversations about his future will certainly ramp up as the offseason progresses, and we’ll be watching closely to see how this pivotal moment in Buccaneers history unfolds. As they weigh their options, one thing is certain: the outcome could significantly impact their offensive dynamics moving forward, especially with Mike Evans still a standout in the receiving corps. Whether they decide to invest further in Godwin or shift their focus to McMillan will be a story to keep an eye on in Tampa Bay.
