TAMPA, Fla. – Bucs Chris Godwin wasn’t going anywhere. The sought-after free-agent wide receiver knew in his mind that Tampa Bay was the place to be for him, his wife, and their newborn baby. Godwin signed a three-year, $66 million dollar deal to stay a Buccaneer.
“I couldn’t be happier coming back,” Godwin said. “We Love Tampa. We love it here. It’s a great day and I’m looking forward to creating a lot of great memories and chasing championships.”
The contract includes $44 million guaranteed money. The 29-year-old wideout could have gotten a lot more on the open market, though money wasn’t the end all for Godwin.
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“One thing I’ve never done is made any decisions based solely on money,” Godwin said.
“I think I’m fortunate enough to be in this position and to be here at the table again,” Godwin said. “Enjoying where you work plays a big part in this.”
Bucs general manager Jason Licht admitted being nervous and trying not to text or push Godwin too hard in signing back with the Bucs. Based on Godwin’s character, what he means to the entire organization, and his overall football skills, it was a no-brainer to offer Godwin another contract. Licht told a story of Godwin as a rookie getting everything in order, off the field just so he could concentrate on the game. Says he’s used Godwin as an example for younger players.
“When Chris was a rookie, I went over to him during OTA’s, “Licht said. “I said, ‘Hey, do you have everything taken care of? You can stay in the Hotel through training camp. He said, ‘No, I’ve got my apartment, my car, I have everything squared away.’ I said, ‘Well you’re the first person. You can stay for free at the hotel. He said no, I don’t want to even think about it. All I want to focus on is football,” Licht said. In all his years working in the NFL, Licht said, he’s never had a rookie come in and take care of everything by himself.
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Godwin is coming off a dislocated ankle injury, his second major rehab. The first injury was a torn ACL and sprained MCL, and it took him relatively two years to finally feel 100 percent. Where is he now in terms of recovery?
“I’d like to keep a lot of those things to the vest,” Godwin said. “I’m right where I need to be and I’m excited about that. In the beginning you spend a lot of time on your back and so the fact that I’m here standing up-that’s a blessing for me.”
Before Godwin got hurt last season, he had 50 catches for 576 yards and five touchdowns. Godwin will start in the slot alongside wideouts Mike Evans and 2nd year Jalen McMillan. Having Baker Mayfield as his quarterback was also a major reason why he elected to return.
Reportedly the New England Patriots were making a push to bring in Godwin.He just couldn’t see himself leaving the only NFL franchise that he’s played for.
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