After extending his contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in early March, wide receiver Chris Godwin turned down a $30 million offer from New England. The Patriots’ interest in the eight-year pro followed an injury-riddled season. Still, the Penn State alum has the full backing of the Buccaneers around him.
Chris Godwin Chooses Tampa Bay Buccaneers Over Big Payday, Citing ‘Genuine Relationships’
In late October 2024, Godwin led all NFL receivers in receptions and touchdowns, paving the way for another standout season.
But it all came crashing down when the 29-year-old suffered a season-ending dislocated ankle injury. That didn’t stop the Patriots from making a push. They offered $30 million per year as they searched for their next WR1.
It was a huge offer, but Godwin turned it down to stay in Tampa Bay for $8 million less per season.
Wow: Chris Godwin TURNED DOWN a $30M per year deal with the Patriots to remain in Tampa Bay on a 3-year/$66M deal:
“The Bucs made their best offer, and then the Patriots came hard, offering an average of $30 million per year on a multiyear deal, he says. And it’s possible there… pic.twitter.com/NoMF71kh9x — Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 9, 2025
The Athletic’s Dan Pompei broke down why Godwin chose to stay in Tampa Bay for more than just football. For Godwin, the relationships he’s built in the building mattered most.
“If I ended up going to New England, it would have been solely based off money because everything else was telling me to stay here,” Godwin said. “Here [Tampa], we’re able to play games, have real conversations and build genuine relationships as opposed to ones that are just transactional.”
One of those relationships is with six-time Pro Bowl receiver Mike Evans.
Inside the Buccaneers’ WR Brotherhood: Godwin, Mike Evans, and the Next Wave
Their off-field bond has played a significant role in their chemistry on the field. Evans has now stacked 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons. He entered the league three years before Godwin and waited for someone to complement his play.
Godwin rose to that challenge and even outpaced Evans in a breakout season of his own. Their competition has always been respectful.
“When me and Mike are done, long gone from this organization, I think we’re going to look back on this time and say it was rare to have what we had,” Godwin said.
Godwin says their relationship is built on mutual respect and honest competition. In 2025, they might be surrounded by the most talented group of receivers Tampa Bay has ever had.
Last year, rookie Jalen McMillan stepped up in Godwin’s absence. He’ll aim to be a red zone weapon again in his second season. With another offseason of development alongside Godwin and Evans, McMillan could be in for a big jump.
The Buccaneers surprised many by drafting another receiver in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Adding Emeka Egbuka as a likely No. 4 receiver gave quarterback Baker Mayfield yet another option.
Then in the seventh round, general manager Jason Licht picked Oregon’s Tez Johnson. The 23-year-old had back-to-back 800-yard seasons with the Ducks and scored 20 touchdowns over that span, putting him in elite college company. Johnson will try to make noise in a deep receiver room.
With a loaded group of pass catchers, Tampa Bay’s wide receiver depth might be the best it’s been in years. Thanks to the leadership of veterans like Godwin and Evans, the young talent is in good hands.