Bucs WR Chris Godwin reveals ditching Patriots' $30,000,000 offer to stay in Tampa
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin was one of the top free agents available this offseason. However, despite interest from various teams, including the New England Patriots, Godwin decided to return to Tampa Bay and sign a multi-year extension with the franchise.
The Patriots reportedly offered Godwin $30 million per season, but he made it clear that Tampa Bay was the perfect place for him and his family at this stage in his life and NFL career.
"The perfect place [Tampa Bay] for me and who I am," Godwin told Dan Pompei of 'The Athletic'
He continued by highlighting how he has enjoyed his time playing alongside one of the best wide receivers in NFL history in Mike Evans. Godwin believes that the two have created something special during their time together.
"When me and Mike [Evans] are done, long gone from this organization [Tampa Bay Buccaneers], I think we’re going to look back on this time and say it was rare to have what we had," Godwin added.
Godwin is coming off a major injury but still inked a long-term extension in Tampa Bay this offseason. According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, Godwin's new contract is a three-year deal worth $66 million.
Will Chris Godwin return to his best after his serious injury?
Godwin suffered a dislocated ankle in Week 7 of the 2024 season in a game against the Baltimore Ravens. The injury cost Godwin the remainder of the 2024 season. Godwin has suffered injuries to his ACL, MCL, hand, foot, and hamstring over the past few seasons, and he has only played one full season (without any games missed) since 2019.
He played 14 games in 2019, followed by 12 in 2020, 14 in 2021, 15 in 2022, 17 in 2023, and 7 in 2024.
However, Godwin has been elite when healthy. Prior to his injury last season, Godwin had 50 receptions for 576 yards and five touchdowns in seven games. Extrapolated over a full season, Godwin would have had approximately 121 receptions for 1,399 yards and 12 touchdowns.