With the Washington Commanders emerging from years of mediocrity and building momentum toward Super Bowl contention, the upcoming offseason presents another opportunity to strengthen their roster.
Under the leadership of general manager Adam Peters, head coach Dan Quinn, and rising star quarterback Jayden Daniels, Washington has the cap space and appeal to be a major player in free agency.
One area the team may look to upgrade is its receiving corps, where Terry McLaurin has long shouldered the burden as the team’s top weapon.
Finding a reliable No. 2 target could be a priority, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin has been identified as a potential target.
NFL analyst Ian Valentino of The 33rd Team believes the Commanders could be serious contenders to land the star wideout.
“Thanks to Jayden Daniels’ breakthrough, Washington will be a popular landing spot for mock trades and free-agent signings,” Valentino writes.
“Flush with money and featuring a well-liked coaching staff, Washington will win most recruiting battles if they want to.
“Its quest to add a great No. 2 receiver next to Terry McLaurin is one race it could spend a lot on. Godwin primarily wins from the slot, logging at least 61 percent of snaps there in five of his last six seasons.”
Before an ankle injury in Week 7 cut his season short, Godwin was averaging 82 yards per game, proving to be a crucial component in Tampa Bay’s offense.
He finished the year with 576 yards and five touchdowns in just seven games, demonstrating his ability to make an impact.
According to Spotrac.com, Godwin’s market value sits at approximately $22.5 million per year – a hefty sum, but one the Commanders could negotiate down given his injury history.
Of course, the Bucs would like to keep Godwin in Tampa if possible. However, according to ESPN’s Jenna Laine, it won’t be on the franchise tag.
“While sources told ESPN that the Bucs very much want receiver Chris Godwin back and they’ll do what it takes to make this happen, it won’t be on a franchise tag,” Laine reported.
“They used the tag as a placeholder the last time Godwin was a free agent (in 2022), and they used it on him in 2021, so this would be his third time being tagged – therefore it would have to be a 144% raise, and I’m told there is “no chance” of that happening.
“They’ll do what it takes to re-sign him as a free agent.”
Having said that, Washington is expected to aggressively pursue additional weapons for Daniels.
If the Commanders want to solidify themselves as a true Super Bowl contender, making a move for Godwin could be a game-changing addition in their pursuit of legitimate sustained success.
What are your thoughts on Washington’s interest in Godwin? … Do you view them as the favorites to land him???
