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BY IRA KAUFMAN

From the football field to the negotiation table, Chris Godwin’s sense of timing couldn’t be better.

The 28-year-old wide receiver has been Tampa Bay’s most consistent player through three weeks as he approaches potential free agency in March. If Godwin is allowed to hit the market, he figures to be the premier wideout available.

While the Buc offense has been erratic, Godwin and Baker Mayfield have formed a dynamic partnership. Godwin has caught 21 of the 25 passes sent his way, with a TD reception in each game.

Godwin is tied for fourth in catches and his 17 first downs rank second among NFL wide receivers to Giants rookie Malik Nabers, who has played four games. The Bucs made a wise move returning Godwin to the slot full-time, where his precise route running and physicality make him an exceedingly tough cover.

Look for the Bucs to target Mike Evans extensively in Sunday’s home matchup against Philadelphia, but Godwin keeps getting open. He’s also excelling in yards after the catch.

The league’s leading rusher, Saquon Barkley of the Eagles, played with Godwin at Penn State and he knows the challenge he will present to Philadelphia’s cornerbacks.

“When he’s healthy, he’s one of the best wide receivers in the league because he’s super consistent,” Barkley says. “He’s Mr. Reliable. He’s been like this since college. Hopefully, he’s not like that on Sunday.”

The Bucs didn’t grant Evans a contract extension until a week before the start of 2024 free agency. They may play the same waiting game with Godwin, who had been slapped with the franchise tag on two occasions before signing a 3-year deal in 2022.

Other wide receivers who could hit free agency include Stefon Diggs, Tee Higgins and Amari Cooper. Godwin is younger than Cooper and Diggs and he’s been more productive than all three so far this season.

Along with his work ethic and dependability, Godwin’s leadership skills stamp him as a core player for the organization. It won’t be easy for Jason Licht to say goodbye to a third-round pick who surpassed all expectations.

“He’s a phenomenal person, a phenomenal player and a great example to this entire team,” Licht says. “You almost take him for granted.”

You can bet Mayfield appreciates Godwin’s professionalism.

When Mayfield is pressured out of the pocket, he usually ends up looking for Godwin to move the chains. New coordinator Liam Coen has utilized Godwin extensively and effectively on quick screens.

Most importantly, Godwin is familiarizing himself with the end zone after the previous two seasons combined resulted in only five TD receptions. He’s also a fierce blocker who has helped spring rookie back Bucky Irving free for long runs.

It’s difficult to imagine the Bucs allowing Godwin to walk after this season, especially if he maintains his early production. For Mayfield, re-signing Godwin would be a no-brainer.
Although Mayfield won’t make the final call, he’ll have significant input.

It’s a blessing for any franchise to have a pair of stud wide receivers who aren’t divas. Respect between Evans and Godwin runs deep and they complement each other very well.

There’s a lot of football left to be played, but Godwin is well on his way to his fifth 1,000-yard season in the past six years. He’s averaging 84.3 yards per game, representing a significant chunk of Tampa Bay’s offensive output.

Licht and his brain trust have a knack for retaining key Bucs on the roster. They found a way to accomodate Mayfield, Evans, Lavonte David and Antoine Winfield Jr.

Godwin is on deck, swinging a very hot bat.

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