If a franchise wants to succeed in the NFL, having playmakers is imperative. The Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots both acknowledge their needs to get a certified, Super Bowl winner as WR. None of them achieved their dreams to land Chris Godwin, but it seems like both tried hard to convince Tom Brady’s former teammate.
While both the Patriots and Steelers ended up with other top-tier receivers, it’s reported by Dan Pompei of The Athletic that New England even offered up to $30 million per year to land Godwin. Then, the Pats settled for Stefon Diggs who is in danger of being cut now for off-field stuff. As for the Steelers, they landed D.K. Metcalf.
Godwin is entering his ninth year in the NFL. He has played all his career for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers so by taking an $8 million paycut to stay, he’s letting fans know he’s a real Buc at heart.
Godwin stayed but Tampa reinforced the WR corp
Future Hall of Famer Mike Evans is staying at Tampa Bay too. However, since Godwin’s injury last season in Week 7, the Bucs started using more names to cover the hole he left.
Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers returns to the locker room after warmups prior to a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium on September 25, 2023 in Tampa, Florida.
Godwin was having an incredible season. He was on pace to reach 1,000 yards easily and already scored 5 TDs. With his injury, next man up was rookie Jalen McMillan. Not only did he step up, but he delivered in big moments. He had 461 yards and 8 TDs.
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Godwin is back but now McMillan will have some of his snaps. Tampa also drafted standout WR Emeka Egbuka. They also play second fiddle to Evans. While this means the Buccaneers are stacked at wide receivers, Godwin’s numbers might take a step back from previous years. Baker Mayfield has to feed everyone.
Tampa is looking for another big season
Since 2020, Tampa Bay has been a team to acknowledge in the NFC. Tom Brady’s arrival came with a Lombardy trophy. Then, the Bucs have always been in the mix. They are looking for a fifth divisional title in a row, for example.
While teams like the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons are taking steps forward, the Bucs should still be confident to win the NFC South. As for the New Orleans Saints, well… they are on a tricky situation and have a depleted roster. Now that the dust with Godwin has settled, Tampa really has one of the best offensive rosters in the league, which boost their chances.
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