The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are clearly invested in maintaining the strength and stability of their quarterback room as they prepare for the upcoming season. After selecting Jalen McMillan from Washington last offseason, the pairing of McMillan with veteran receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin proved to be a dynamic force during the 2024 campaign.
However, a significant hurdle emerged when Godwin suffered a notable injury late in a Week 7 matchup against the Ravens. Despite this setback, Bucs general manager Jason Licht remains unfazed and expresses unwavering confidence in Godwin’s ability to bounce back.
Licht’s commitment to retaining Godwin, who could enter free agency on March 12, is evident. He expressed his hopefulness in reaching an agreement that recognizes Godwin’s invaluable contributions to the team. “Chris means the world to this organization, to all of us individually and as a whole,” Licht emphasized during his comments at the NFL Combine. He highlighted Godwin’s remarkable resilience and tireless work ethic, saying, “Nobody has been more resilient than him. We’ve been down this road with him before, and nobody works harder than he does.”
With Godwin being a third-round pick from Penn State in 2017, the dynamic between him and Evans has often overshadowed his own accomplishments. Yet, last season, Godwin showcased his elite talent, leading the league in several key receiving metrics before his unfortunate injury against the Ravens.
Acknowledging the seriousness of the situation, Licht stated, “He had a serious injury and missed a lot of time, and there is still some uncertainty.” This recognition has led the Buccaneers to adjust their strategy, providing them with increased options and flexibility regarding Godwin’s contractual situation.
Ultimately, Licht’s confidence in Godwin is clear—if he were to place a bet, it would be on the talented receiver. Yet, he also understands the importance of navigating the variables ahead as they seek to make the best decision for both the player and the organization moving forward.
