Chris Godwin turned down $30 million annually from New England to stay with Tampa Bay. Now, with training camp starting, the wide receiver who sacrificed millions for loyalty sits in rehab instead of team drills. The ankle injury that ended his 2024-25 season continues to derail his 2025 plans, leaving the Buccaneers without their most productive receiver when they need him most.
What Does Godwin’s Continued Rehab Mean for Tampa Bay’s Offense?
Godwin, who suffered a dislocated ankle during the Week 8 home game against the Baltimore Ravens in 2024-25, had to be carted off the field at Raymond James Stadium. At the time, optimism remained that the 2021 Super Bowl champion would fully recover by this summer. However, according to Tampa Bay Times reporter Rick Stroud, the star wideout’s rehab is far from complete.
Bucs WR Chris Godwin, who still is recovering from a dislocated ankle, will not participate in team related activities to begin training camp. He will continue to rehab with trainers.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) July 21, 2025
“Bucs WR Chris Godwin, who still is recovering from a dislocated ankle, will not participate in team related activities to begin training camp. He will continue to rehab with trainers,” Stroud tweeted on Monday.
This development deals a significant blow to the Buccaneers’ preseason plans. While Godwin’s injury occurred in the fall of 2024, the fact that he remains unable to return to team drills raises serious questions about his availability for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Training camp is critical for game readiness and chemistry building. The coaching staff and front office will closely monitor Godwin’s continued absence as they prepare for the season.
The receiver’s importance to Tampa Bay cannot be overstated. In late October 2024, before his injury, he led all NFL receivers in both receptions and was third in touchdowns. His production was trending toward one of the best seasons of his career. That momentum, however, was abruptly halted when the ankle injury ended his season.
How Did Godwin’s Loyalty to Tampa Bay Shape His Contract Decision?
Godwin demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the Buccaneers earlier this year despite the uncertain medical outlook. According to PFSN’s Alex Hanczar, the veteran receiver turned down a lucrative $30 million annual offer from the New England Patriots to stay with Tampa Bay. He ultimately accepted $8 million less per season to remain with the Bucs.
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
“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, via The Athletic’s Dan Pompei. “Here [Tampa], we’re able to play games, have real conversations and build genuine relationships as opposed to ones that are just transactional.”
Godwin’s decision was shaped by financial considerations, his deep connection to the Buccaneers organization, and his long-standing rapport with fellow receiver Mike Evans.
Now, the focus shifts back to the recovery process. With training camp approaching and Godwin still confined to rehab work with team trainers, the Buccaneers face the challenge of preparing without one of their most reliable offensive weapons. Whether Godwin can return in time to impact the 2025-26 campaign remains to be seen.
