Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin is one of the biggest names set to test the free agent market. A third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Penn State product showed promise early before breaking out in 2019 with a 1,300-yard season. Since then, he and Mike Evans have formed one of the best receiver duos in football, helping Tom Brady win the Super Bowl in 2020 and playing a crucial part in Baker Mayfield’s career revival. Now on the injured reserve and set to reach free agency, Godwin may have played his last snap with the team.
In a recent article, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Matt Bowen note that “too many other teams need the production of a high-end receiver in his prime.” While they note the Buccaneers could outbid the competition for Godwin, it will be hard to pay him, Evans, and Mayfield. While anyone would be thrilled to have a player like Godwin on their roster, these five teams make the most sense as potential destinations.
5 Teams That Could Sign Free Agent Chris Godwin
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers will have a new quarterback next year, and they could use another weapon for whoever lines up under center. The young trio of first-round pick Xavier Legette, undrafted free agent Jalen Coker, and fourth-round pick Ja’Tavion Sanders are promising, but this team could use a proven veteran to tie the room together. With Adam Thielen not getting any younger, Chris Godwin could be the perfect free agent signing for a team that needs to make life as easy as possible for their next quarterback.
New England Patriots
The Patriots have their long-awaited heir to Tom Brady in third-overall pick Drake Maye. Now, they need to build an adequate supporting cast. Chris Godwin won’t singlehandedly fix this offense, but he’s a good step in the right direction. New England has the NFL’s worst collection of pass-catching talent, as Demario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne, and Kayshon Boutte are all best in smaller roles. Maye has already proven he can make the most of a poor situation, so imagine what he could do with a legitimate weapon.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are ahead of schedule, as Justin Herbert and head coach Jim Harbaugh have the team sitting pretty with a 7-3 record and a strong shot at the playoffs. Herbert is in the midst of perhaps the best season of his career, and he’s doing it without any veteran weapons. Second-round pick Ladd McConkey looks like the real deal and Quentin Johnston could be a solid role player, but this team could use another set of hands. Harbaugh likes to win with the run game, but Godwin’s ability to line up across the formation could be a key selling point to the reigning college football national champion.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers seem intent on retaining Russell Wilson for another season, which means they should look for another wide receiver. George Pickens is a talented player, but the recently acquired Mike Williams is just a short-term fix. While they might struggle to make the money work, Chris Godwin would be a perfect fit for this offense and his ability to win deep in the slot makes him an ideal fit for Wilson’s current skillset.
Dallas Cowboys
If the 2024 season proved anything, it’s that the Dallas Cowboys can’t afford to sit around and hope to improve. After doing next to nothing in the offseason despite claiming to be “all-in“, the Cowboys crashed and burned even before Dak Prescott suffered his season-ending injury. Mike McCarthy will not be back in 2025, but the next head coach will need more talent to get the most out of this roster. Chris Godwin is a great player who should complement CeeDee Lamb and give the Cowboys their best groups of receivers since Lamb and Amari Cooper shared the field.
Main Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck – USA Today Sports
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