Will Chris Godwin Find Las Vegas Leverage?
January 22nd, 2025
If you were new Raiders co-owner Tom Brady, who would you target to overhaul your team culture?
First, you’d want to play puppeteer and find a general manager whose loyalty is firm.
That may sound like a harsh characterization of Brady and today’s Raiders hire of assistant Bucs general manager John Spytek to be their GM. But hey, Joe is direct. Spytek was a younger Brady teammate at the University of Michigan and with the Bucs.
Second, you’d look for some bedrock players you trust to set an elite daily example, a Brady example. And you’d prefer a loyal friend or two you can call to find out what’s happening in the locker room.
Enter Chris Godwin, a pending free agent, the guy who gave Tom Brady is jersey number in Tampa.
Joe knows Brady was a confidant and a sometimes mentor for Godwin during Godwin’s rehabilitation from a torn ACL late in the 2021 season. Brady had experience with that specific rehab.
Godwin grinded his way back for the 2022 season and was Brady’s go-to receiver with a team-leading 142 targets.
The trust and respect is there. And frankly, everyone at One Buc Palace respects Godwin for being an ultimate pro.
So will Brady and Spytek now come calling for Godwin when the free agency dinner bell rings?
Las Vegas has no quarterback, but they also have a mountain of salary cap room and might be willing to overlook question marks about Godwin’s health knowing he’s valuable whether he’s 100 percent or not.
Joe is leery.
January 22nd, 2025 at 3:51 pm
i wouldnt doubt it….
but i think he’ll target tyreek hill and m.parsons imo
GO BUCS!!!!!
January 22nd, 2025 at 3:54 pm
I think Godwin will stay
January 22nd, 2025 at 3:58 pm
Is Kenny Stabler’s number retired? Godwin would stick with #14. I think he stays, unless his wife wants to move to Vegas.
January 22nd, 2025 at 3:59 pm
Godwin will not be a Buc in 2025. Just too injury prone and he’s now past his prime. Time to let him walk and target a more reliable Veteran WR. Bucs should use their number one pick on a WR as well.
January 22nd, 2025 at 3:59 pm
I doubt it. Too many question marks about Godwin’s health and longevity to build around. Another Alvin Harper potentially.
January 22nd, 2025 at 4:05 pm
@Joe “Las Vegas has no quarterback, but they also have a mountain of salary cap room…”
———————————————————————————–
Both Brady and Spytek have first-hand knowledge of Kyle Trask. I wouldn’t be surprised if they sign Trask along with another free agent QB and let them compete for the #1 position.
January 22nd, 2025 at 4:06 pm
Using our #1 pick on a WR when we need so much help on D sounds very Bearsy to me. Id ride with McMillan and Shep for 2 and 3, maybe see if theres any other vets worthy of a reclamation project in training camp.
January 22nd, 2025 at 4:08 pm
@Jeff, Godwin was leading the league in receiving when he went down, you are not gonna find a more reliable veteran wide receiver.
January 22nd, 2025 at 4:11 pm
Godwin will either retire or stay with the Bucs! He may be past his prime, but he sure looked All-Pro until his injury. Godwin needs to be signed, he has always given the Bucs 100 % every play, probably the best blocking WR in the NFL. Don’t let your leaders walk. Godwin is the Lavonte David on offense.
January 22nd, 2025 at 4:14 pm
@Jeff
Agree with the first part of your post but not the second. The Bucs do NOT need another WR, but certainly Godwin if healthy would still be a major asset.
I LOVE Chris and all that he has done for the team! He has been compensated nicely! He is coming off an expiring three-year, $60 million dollar deal, but Spotrac projects his market value to actually increase to $22.5 million.
As the jjjoes have pointed out it’s all about leverage. If Chris chooses to use his in Vegas I’ll still cheer for him. He just doesn’t have 20+ million leverage here in Tampa. For me this again is a real Que Sera Sera moment.
Without CG14 the Bucs will have one of the best WR’s in the league and a future HOFer who played like one in the Playoffs. ME13 makes ALL the other targets look better and have more opportunities to get open. JMac blossomed at the end of his ROOKIE season after a half year of learning on the job. The Bucs can find a #3 WR pretty easily if he’s not already on the team. Shep?
Meanwhile in addition to ME and JMAC there’s Otton who has really blown up.
There’s also Culp who showed a ton of promise.
And of course there are 3 as in THREE RB’s who all have talent and good hands.
One of them is a special player, a Sanders type if he can keep it up. Sean Young showed some power and R White is great out of the backfield, he can always drop into the slot.
That’s SEVEN credible, experienced targets for Baker. CG just doesn’t have the leverage the Bucs do. IF CG chooses LV for big bucks I’m truly happy for him.
IF..actually two big ifs..CG is healthy..AND affordable I’d love to see him in a Buc uni. Just not holding my breath.
January 22nd, 2025 at 4:19 pm
Y’all are CRRRRRRAZY!!!!!
CHRIS GODWIN AIN’T GOING NOWHERE!!!!!!!!!!
Mark my words!!
January 22nd, 2025 at 4:22 pm
Put your grandmas phone back and get that garage cleaned boy
January 22nd, 2025 at 4:24 pm
Why would CG want to go the LV for his career to come to a close with no chance of SB wins!(one of the toughest div. in football) It seems like this would be out of character for him. Like someone said only way he goes is if the wifey wants the vegas experience, otherwise he stays in tampa with all the familiar faces and a chance at SB’s.
January 22nd, 2025 at 4:26 pm
So, it’s Brady against all of the Bucs teammates Godwin is familiar with. You think Godwin’s loyalty to Brady is stronger than it is to Evans, Wirfs, David, and others? They’re going to plead with him to stay if Brady makes a move. And, Godwin will stay, provided the compensation is reasonable. Who’s even going to throw the ball to Godwin in Vegas? No way he leaves. Again, provided the compensation is adequate.
January 22nd, 2025 at 4:26 pm
How is CG past his prime? He was leading the NFL in catches and TDs…
January 22nd, 2025 at 4:34 pm
Yeah I am gonna argue with Jeff as well and say there are no veterans WRs on the market as reliable as Godwin. If you wanna cite injuries and salary as reasons he is unaffordable for the Bucs at this juncture well that’s a different argument.
The team and offense are better off with Godwin, no doubt about that and I hope he is back!
Injury prone seems a little unfair. It may be true but 2 of his major injuries including this year were just unlucky if not dirty plays from the other teams. Saints dive at his knee and blow it up, hip drop tackle hurts his ankle this season. I don’t think those are reflections of Chris’ body type or work habits, just unfortunate unavoidable injuries in a contact sport.
January 22nd, 2025 at 4:39 pm
Brady has put up his Bat Signal right over Vegas.
January 22nd, 2025 at 4:41 pm
Will Brady poach Trask????
January 22nd, 2025 at 4:44 pm
HC Grover, you mean the benchwarmer 3000? I hope they do, so I can finally stop having delusional people bring up his name on this site.
January 22nd, 2025 at 4:53 pm
Trask is uninjured he has been benchsitting. I would not be surprised. Brady wants SB next year. He does not fool around.
January 22nd, 2025 at 4:55 pm
Raider are in a rebuild. Chris is at the back half of his career. If Im Brady I’m Drafting young WR or signing after first contract. People I can build on,
January 22nd, 2025 at 4:59 pm
Do the Raiders have a coach? Do they have a QB? What is their draft capital? They have the 6th pick – can they get a rookie that will change their fortunes? they have a great TE and a great DE. Chris is not headed there.
January 22nd, 2025 at 5:06 pm
Godwin has no leverage
If he smarts takes a 1 yr deal with incentives and stays here
January 22nd, 2025 at 5:08 pm
HC Grover, “Brady wants SB next year. He does not fool around”. That means he may get to face us in next year’s Super Bowl! Hope we kick his ass!!
January 22nd, 2025 at 5:09 pm
Too injury prone not available
January 22nd, 2025 at 5:12 pm
And HC Grover-hope Godwin scores the game winner!
January 22nd, 2025 at 5:23 pm
i think there’s a group of long time buccaneers who want to win a superbowl WITHOUT tommy b at qb…
just a thought
January 22nd, 2025 at 5:26 pm
licht needs to call spytek and congratulate him…
but also let him know…”you owe me one…give me crosby”
🙂
January 22nd, 2025 at 5:29 pm
Adam, Bucs already did that unlike the pats
January 22nd, 2025 at 5:30 pm
evan, godwin and a fast developing mcchillen are a nice trifecta…
and even the supporting guys are not bad…
jarrett, miller…….cam johnson (seems promising)…
maybe you get one more year out of shep as reliable guy to baker as a 4th or 5th receiver…
and palmer is a huuuge questionmark
January 22nd, 2025 at 5:31 pm
So is Davis not calling the shots in LV anymore?
January 22nd, 2025 at 5:48 pm
Wonder if Brady will call Antonio?
January 22nd, 2025 at 6:19 pm
Wow, just wow.
Joe is now talking smack on the guy that single handedly brought the 2nd title to Tampa Bay.
Brady won a title for two teams and after he left neither has a sniff of a title.
Bowles was the HC for Brady’s lone losing season in the NFL.
Same Joe that was in love with Jameis. Go pound sand.
January 22nd, 2025 at 6:24 pm
Sign Godwin. Trade him, Rashad white, and a second rounder for max Crosby.
January 22nd, 2025 at 6:30 pm
Would have to be a godfather offer for Godwin To leave unless the Bucs low ball also Bucs have a decent amount of cap room.
January 22nd, 2025 at 6:34 pm
Godwin is 29, with two major injuries in three years, and would demand 15-18m a year.
Coen has proven that the offense can function at a high level without him.
Sad, but its a business – let him walk
January 22nd, 2025 at 6:40 pm
Would be interesting to see if all that talk about Tyreek wanting to come here is true but I doubt it. It’s probably just him rambling. That would be really interesting having him with Evans Bucky Baker Otton & depending on McMillan. If he would have to be thrown in there as part of the trade “if” Tyreek were to asked to be traded here. It’s probably just him flapping his gums.
January 22nd, 2025 at 6:48 pm
Laughed at HC GROVER,poach Trask
..go back to Gainesville, nothing to poach he is not a NFL QB, 11 starts in hogtown. Whoop de doo
January 22nd, 2025 at 7:12 pm
I haven’t heard anything about how Godwin’s rehab is coming along. If he’s able to make a full recovery, he’s far from past his prime at 28 or 29. I’m just as worried about Evans as he will be 32 this coming season. He may be at a point where you have to limit his snaps. McMillan showed good progress the second half of the year but we can’t say with certainty that he’s arrived. So if he hasn’t and Godwin leaves, the receiving corps would be very suspect. White, Irving and Tucker can catch the ball but they are not receivers.
January 22nd, 2025 at 7:36 pm
I like Chris, but no way should we pay him 20 plus mil with his recent injuries and he’ll be 29 soon. Spend that on a pass rush, i.e. Maxx Crosby! Better pass rush, better secondary.
January 22nd, 2025 at 7:41 pm
Ballhawk 75 thinks Brady brought a Superbowl title to Tampa singlehanded. In addition to Vea, Winfield, with Lavonte and Barrett in their primes, Suh and Paul on defense, Evans and Godwin in their prime on offense with a great OL and Gronk and Brown added just to make sure Brady had everything he needed to get that last ring. Bowles got the leftovers with Evans, Godwin, Barrett, and Lavonte past their primes although still good players and was still able to win the division the past 2 seasons.
January 22nd, 2025 at 8:40 pm
I think Chris stays.
He watched Mike take a team-friendly deal when Mike could have gotten more elsewhere.
He and Mike are also super-tight.
Plus, he was having a career season before the injury.
And, he was playing back in the slot, where he seemed a lot more comfortable.
Not to mention, Liam Coen is staying as well.
To me, it’s highly unlikely he leaves.
January 22nd, 2025 at 9:28 pm
Maybe Trask gets his shot….
January 22nd, 2025 at 9:39 pm
Out of sight, out of mind? Godwin is a complete and great player. With his determination, fairly certain he will get himself back to full strength in 6 months. He will remain a Buc and have a career year in 2025. There just aren’t many better.
January 22nd, 2025 at 9:52 pm
Can anyone imagine a world where Chris Godwin doesn’t help get to and win a superbowl.
January 22nd, 2025 at 9:55 pm
Why do people call Godwin injury prone? There’s a reason why the hip drop tackle was banned.
Trask is not going to the Raiders unless it’s backup or he begins his coaching career. Either way he’s holding a clipboard next year.
January 22nd, 2025 at 9:59 pm
Chris Godwin is a high risk player right now. He may never play well again. The Raiders can get him cheap on a one year deal. Let them take the risk.
January 22nd, 2025 at 10:07 pm
You never know where Tyreek Hill, 4.29 40 time, wants to go. He was at Oklahoma State while Baker was at Oklahoma and they really respect each other despite where they played college ball. He might be wanting to hook up with Baker and play catch using his 4.29 speed to run a little after Baker tosses it to him 🤔
January 22nd, 2025 at 10:17 pm
We’re only talking just a ONE-YEAR ‘prove-it’ type of deal for Godwin. My offer a month ago, was a $10MIL base salary, fully guaranteed (if he reaches and succeeds certain benchmarks and timelines, leading up to Week-1)… And, (up to) another $10MIL of ‘expected’ (what he did last year) bonuses/incentives, then (up to) another $5MIL+ of ‘unexpected’ bonuses/inentives (above and beyond), if they WIN The Super Bowl, AND he plays in every game (20-21 games), & etc. I could live with that. I think that’s fair for all involved IF he wants to remain a Buc. Granted he was going to get a ‘multi-year’ $30MIL per year deal, at his current production rate, pre injury. Really hated that for Chris. He would’ve then had even, another bite at the apple on nice fat contract after that one too, had he not gotten hurt. But, who knows… Maybe, he still will. He seems to take really good care of himself, & is always in GREAT shape. But, $10MIL-Guaranteed tho, if HE wants to get on HIMSELF.
January 22nd, 2025 at 10:19 pm
Jesus…click bait much? Godwin isn’t going anywhere and you know that.
January 22nd, 2025 at 10:19 pm
Bet* on HIMSELF.
January 22nd, 2025 at 10:28 pm
we need to keep CG14 and make a deal for Maxxx Crosby, send Raiders a package deal with Kyle trask and Rashaad White and Joe Tryon Shoyinka and Trey Palmer.😀
January 22nd, 2025 at 10:29 pm
Sign Chris to a similar deal to what Mike got last year. 1A and 1B. Draft a project speed receiver in the 6th that can return punts as well. We need to get better there. With Chris back and fully healthy we should have the top offense next year. Don’t bet against CG!!!
January 22nd, 2025 at 10:57 pm
Grover needs to be put into concussion protocol. Brady is a winner. Attention to detail like no other. Trask must have showed nothing, nada. zippo. He’s a JAG, send him to the Jags
January 22nd, 2025 at 11:54 pm
Gotta love armchair GMs. Hope they’re right. Those who already too swings here. My swing? Godwin already required more to sign than 13 did the previous season (a few seasons back). He’s got history, but he’s not making history here. If 14s injury isn’t limiting his value, he’s going to demand more than I predict GMJL is willing to fork over.
The offense worked too well without Godwin. No matter how well it might work with him, it’s got to justify the money. It won’t if 14 doesn’t give a discount. I don’t think he will. Given his injury track record, he’s got to look at this as a last chance at a big $$$ deal. He’s a free agent. Someone will be willing to give him a big raise and 4 or 5 years.
I don’t think there’s another potential free agent that is less likely to return that’s going to be pursued for a return.
January 23rd, 2025 at 12:45 am
Prove it deal WTF? Look where he is in the Bucs record books he don’t have a dam thing to prove anybody what a joke. Brady once said he has the best hands on the team. I say he don’t drop many. Keep wandering wallflower.
January 23rd, 2025 at 1:04 am
Chris is either a Buc in 2025 or retired. I doubt he’s retired . We even brought Shaw back and I hope we keep him too. Chris at 80% is better than anyone else we have other than ME13 at 100%. He and Baker clicked and he and Mike are tight. He was having his best season ever. The level of improvement and pace will determine whether he plays in 2025, but he is t playing for anyone else
January 23rd, 2025 at 1:05 am
*Shaq not shaw
January 23rd, 2025 at 1:11 am
Let’s try this again…HEY JOE…this is clickbait and you know it. Anyone who follows the more reliable Bucs website know that Chris Godwin will be back.
January 23rd, 2025 at 1:34 am
Curious: Was that more “reliable” Bucs site you reference the one that kept fanning the flames and pandering to its small audience that Bowles was going to get fired? Or was the “reliable” Bucs website the one that kept stating everything it was hearing was that Bowles was safe? Wonder which site that was? (ahem)
Joe doesn’t know what will happen to Godwin for sure. But knowing how much players value cash and that Godwin is likely going to sign his last NFL contract this winter, am sure if Spytek throws Mark Davis’ wallet at Godwin it will get his and his agent’s attention.
Besides, does this alleged “reliable” site you reference have test results of Godwin’s ankle? Didn’t think so.
January 23rd, 2025 at 2:24 am
Parris Warren.
All you people saying to give Godwin a big contract look that name up.
DO NOT pay Godwin more than a prove it deal. He’s not even worth risking the tag on at this point.
Find out if he can still proced first.
January 23rd, 2025 at 3:30 am
Bonz – the find out measure is first for anyone / everyone.
January 23rd, 2025 at 8:21 am
please stay Godwin, but I would not blame him for leaving. He is the 2nd best receiver in Bucs history, so it would be a shame. But hopefully the comp picks would be nice.
January 23rd, 2025 at 8:49 am
If Brady wants Godwin and his new GM agrees then Godwin will be a Raider.
Bucs Bargaining Chip of No State Income Tax goes out the window because Nevada has the same perk.
Brady is a winner and will succeed in anything he does because of his drive and willingness to work.
Did it with the Pats and Bucs. Is doing it in the booth too even without access to teams. He does enough research to be able to fill the time with information.
As an Owner he will work with the GM to get the team is a position to compete in the Division. I would almost bet that during the interview Brady and Spytek talked in length about what the teams needs are and already have a list of players that will be chased.
Brady did not bring a Super Bowl win to Tampa but he did get in Gronk, Brown,
and Fournette and they were all a big part. players will want to go to Vegas to be in involved in a Brady project.
Having an Owner that knows the difference and will stress making the smart throw and not simply making the throw will extend Godwins career and have him playing at a lower risk of taking a kill shot.
Throwing based on timing is great for QB stats until a big hitting DB gets it timed and gets to the spot at One Mississippi. Two Miss and breaks your best receivers ribs.
Money isn’t the only consideration.
January 23rd, 2025 at 12:07 pm
Jeff Says:
January 22nd, 2025 at 3:59 pm
Godwin will not be a Buc in 2025. Just too injury prone and he’s now past his prime.
————————
You are not a Bucs fan! Are you outta your tree? CG14 is one of the best wide receivers in the game. Just cos of your stupid comments, I have some faith CG14 will try 1 more season in red and pewter. Past his prime?? Righto. As Vanessa Ann commented; and I’ve said repeatedly, CG14 and ME13 (HOF) are buddies off the field!! That is an important factor. I guess it takes female Bucs fans to get it. And living in Vegas?? UGH!! With climate change going down, it’s even dumpier than ever. I wish Brady the best but CG14 won’t move to Vegas. Word Up!
January 24th, 2025 at 1:13 am
Unfortunately as a diehard Bucs fan now with Cohen gone and LVD possibly retiring and fans chattering about Bowels ability to lead as HC lot of question about this team. I can see Godwin heading to Vegas for sure. It’s a real possibility. I mean maybe he stays and signs a retarded deal in TB but maybe it is best to let him walk away post injury.
We need to start focusing on rebuilding I really was hoping this wasn’t how the offseason was going to start for us. Shavon Revel CB , probably helps a lot imo. With him and Zyon on opposite corners we should be able to control a lot of the game. Still need another pass rusher , a vet like Mack to train with Braswell.
We need to sign Suh to be the D-line coach. We gotta attempt to retain LVD. As for WRs well we still got Mike. We have some decent young TEs and maybe the best RB core right now anyways. Do we resign Ben Bredson? Do we go after FA WR to replace Godwin? I wouldn’t draft a WR even if we lose Godwin.