Chris Godwin And The Bucs Defense
February 16th, 2025
The Chris Godwin dilemma.
Will the Bucs be able to keep Chris Godwin or will he walk out the door? That should be answered in the next three or four weeks. Maybe sooner.
The long-time Bucs Pro Bowl receiver is a pending free agent. The free agency dinner bell is about to ring. Legal tampering begins March 10. Illegal tampering ramps up next week at the combine (yes, next week!).
Years ago, Team Glazer liked saying the Bucs have never let a good player walk out the door of One Buc Palace that they wanted to keep. We shall see with Godwin.
Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com, who has an office inside One Buc Palace, believes the Bucs will do their best to keep Godwin.
As of today, the Bucs rank in the bottom-third of available salary cap space. So how do the Bucs plan to allocate that Team Glazer loot?
The Bucs were 4-3 with Godwin on the field last season. They were 6-4 without him. With all the needs on defense (Lavonte David’s status remains a mystery), do the Bucs try to talk themselves into believing they can win without Godwin?
The Bucs have a damn good running game with a damn good offensive line.
New Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard likely wants to ground-and-pound. When he spent over an hour with the local pen and mic club two weeks ago, he didn’t give any indication that he’s a pass-happy guy. So does Team Glazer balk at paying two receivers at least $20 million each if the Bucs aren’t going to be a pass-first team, especially with so many holes in the defense?
In theory, you want the ball most often in the hands of your best and highest-priced offensive skill position players. You know, earn your daily bread?
Look, Joe wants Godwin back as much as the next Bucs fan. But Joe can also see how the Bucs could hoodwink themselves into believing Godwin, who turns 29 this month, is more a luxury than a necessity.
The Bucs were done in last year by their p!ss-poor pass defense, not the absence of Godwin.
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February 16th, 2025 at 10:37 am
Everybody WANTS CG14 back! But everybody also realizes the cost and the allocation of cap dollars.
I hope CG give the Bucs enough of a hometown discount to keep him.
He provides in the case of the Bucs some TRUE desperately needed depth at WR.
There’s ME’s recalcitrant hammy. How will ME and Griz keep that under control.
With CG there were also the two major injuries and other nagging injuries.
In an ideal world the two of them would mean there would always be at least ONE Pro Bowl level WR on the field along with talented JMAC and the cast of TE’s and RB’s who can all catch the ball.
CG fills a “depth” spot where ME’s history shows a need!
February 16th, 2025 at 10:44 am
If we’re making a push before ME13 contract is up, I just don’t see how it makes sense to pay CG and not use that money for the D.
I could see Dallas paying Chris big bucks if they do in fact make a push during free agency, but hard to tell with Jerry Jones…
February 16th, 2025 at 10:55 am
“if the Bucs aren’t going to be a pass-first team”. We’ve got good backs and a good line Joe. But I didn’t have to be at the pen and mike club presser to know that as long as Baker and Griz are here we will be a pass first team. We had a very good run game last year and we have to continue that to be successful. But there ain’t no way we’re running for 41 touchdowns and rushing for 4500 yards. With a passing game hanging those kinds of numbers it makes sense we oughta be able to run the ball. It all comes together when your offense can do both things. Don’t ever see us being a run first team though.
February 16th, 2025 at 11:02 am
If you look at it purely from a business standpoint, it makes total sense to save CAP space and pick up a DE and/or LB in FA. Then focus the draft on defensive backfield: LB, CB, and S. We not only need some new starters but some depth on the roster as well. With that said, it would be very sad to see CG14 leave. He’s a tremendous athlete and hell of a good guy.
February 16th, 2025 at 11:08 am
CG will be back. The Bucs would be fools to let him walk. They aren’t, so I think its pretty clear whats gonna happen on this topic. Plenty of others to contemplate.
February 16th, 2025 at 11:10 am
Flip side of the coin, CG13 is an excellent blocker. That plays up in the run based O
February 16th, 2025 at 11:28 am
It will get done. ALL HAIL GRENBERG!!
February 16th, 2025 at 11:30 am
Its a wait and see year for me. He has to bounce back in a very good way. The problem is he’s a FA. Test the market Chris and go with your gut. I feel like he’s going to be good. Its upstairs and he has that part, its the body too though. Hopefully he wants to stay and we can work a 2 or 3 year deal. If he balls out, it turns into a 5 year deal.
February 16th, 2025 at 11:32 am
Yeah I’d like for him to be back but then again I’m sure just like everyone else it would be nice if they’d sign some FAs to upgrade the D some. Not some duds either.
February 16th, 2025 at 11:33 am
@MadMax
Watch him go to Jacksonville with Coen if he bolts.
February 16th, 2025 at 11:38 am
6-4 without 4-3 with I agree with Joe the defense is costing us more and more every year this being the worse. We need to someone like Josh Sweat or another high caliber edge rusher. It doesn’t appear drafting one is our strong point.
February 16th, 2025 at 11:39 am
Joe … ‘So does Team Glazer balk at paying two receivers at least $20 million each if the Bucs aren’t going to be a pass-first team, especially with so many holes in the defense?’
That’s THE QUESTION Joe, and none of us know the answer. The holes on defense are real, and those MUST be fixed or 2025 will be no better than 2024.
Our current offensive scheme isn’t a ‘run-first’ or a ‘pass-first’ attack. We’re ‘balanced’ to the degree that we can take advantage of whatever the defense is giving us. Last season we ran on 44.1% of our plays, but did a decent job of keeping the plays unpredictable.
I agree with Scott Smith that the Bucs will do all they can to keep CG14. But others, Jacksonville & Carolina included, might just make Chris a ‘No way I can turn this down offer’.
I see Godwin as being much more integral to our offense than any of the other receivers (yes, including Mike). He’s our best ‘possession receiver’ by far … he sports a 73% catch rate in the past 6 years that BA & TB have been here. Chris is a master at finding ways to get open & getting the 1st down; matter of fact, he’s probably one of the best in the NFL at doing that. We just have to find a way to make the $$$ work.
February 16th, 2025 at 11:49 am
Godwin has been, is, and will be a Buccaneer. I have no doubt. Mikey definitely wants him for the duration. Especially observing that after JMac, who showed promise but gagged in the playoff game, the WR room sucks.
Griz will need to average 35ppg to equal last season’s win total so you keep your proven weaponry.
The defense needs players, yes, but more than that they need a dedicated coordinator who can spend 100% of his time and energy on just the defense. Until that happens, don’t expect the defense to stop declining.
February 16th, 2025 at 12:09 pm
This team has been successful because of the offense. Godwin has been a big part of the offense. You simply can not let one of your most productive players go until he proves he’s replaceable. You are nuts if you think theres any chance Bucs are better without Godwin.
February 16th, 2025 at 12:52 pm
Facts matter, what teams did they play when Godwin was healthy? The schedule was way easier after he went out. Yes D is the main issue. But if it’s win now, what happens to the offence if Mike gets hurt and Godwin leaves. Good luck.
February 16th, 2025 at 1:00 pm
Chris Godwin is not expendable. The Bucs will not win the Super Bowl next year without him.
Losing him was the rock bottom of our season. The fact that we eventually did well without him is a testament to the rest of our Offensive talent, McMillan thriving should mean we got our number 3WR locked in, not we can do without Chris.
Godwin is a special player and true Buccaneer and treasure to the community. He belongs here. And the Glazers should and need to take care of him big time. It was tragic when he went down, and the Bucs need to be making it right. Kept Bowles, Better bring Godwin back.
We have enough cap room to restructure some things, make a cut or 2 or 3 … and keep Chris Godwin, LVD, and go get an Edge Draft the rest.
Handle your business JL and Glazers.
Playtime is over.
Secure #14
February 16th, 2025 at 1:03 pm
He has no leverage coming off second mayor injury
We will see
February 16th, 2025 at 1:05 pm
After more research the Bucs still have Godwin over an eighteen million cap hit. I guess they could sign him to a two year 36 million deal plus incentives and keep the cap hit right where it is. Trade or release Dean use that money to sign an edge rusher draft a stud corner in first round linebacker in second round a left guard in third round.
February 16th, 2025 at 1:06 pm
Surely JL and the Glazers won’t have kept Bowles and have us enter the Season with no Godwin and no Edge.
Entering next year with no CG and no top Edge is not an option.
Sign Chris Godwin, Go get an Edge = Super Bowl
February 16th, 2025 at 1:07 pm
If I am remembering correctly, Godwin was leading the league in several categories when he was injured, including Mike Evans. I am convinced the Bucs would have beaten Atlanta twice, Kansas City, and possibly Dallas with Godwin in the lineup. Nobody on this team is better at picking up first downs. Nobody at WR or TE is better at downfield blocking. The Bucs scored nearly 30 points a game, and won ten games, with the worst pass defense in the league. With a healthy Godwin they would have scored more points, and won even more games. They damn sure would NOT have lost to Washington in the first round. Chris Godwin makes a difference. Just ask Baker Mayfield and any RB behind him.
Pay the man. He needs to finish his career as a Buccaneer.
February 16th, 2025 at 1:32 pm
Evans turns 32 this year and likely isn’t playing for more than another 2-3. Highley likely the nagging injuries only increase going forward, Godwin is a solid 1A when that happens.
February 16th, 2025 at 1:34 pm
Everyone on these pages last year was publicly negotiating a less than market contract for Baker Mayfield. Turns out Bucs got Mayfield for a bargain compared to what other teams are paying lesser QB’s. Really want Godwin to stay. McMillan is not close to Godwin in skill set. What’s the right number? Probably $55Mill 3year deal with $35Mill guaranteed would do the job. Sure Chris could do better, but think he likes the Mayfield connection and prospect of SB if D gets better soon. Getting rid of a number of mediocre defenders for high quality established EDGE is the best allocation of capital.
February 16th, 2025 at 1:40 pm
Godwin is a leader and just like Mayfield he sacrifices his body for the team! There are some concerns with the salary cap, but if you think he’s not a big part of this team winning you’re kidding yourself. Freaking first down machine!
February 16th, 2025 at 1:41 pm
I am a Godwineer. However, I know that we need an ILB, CB, edge in the top 3 picks, a safety and most of all the resources to get Reddick or Hendrickson. If we trade Dean we can draft a rookie in round 1 or 2 good enough to play opposite McClumn.
We truly need a VFA linebacker and a rookie in round 1 or 2 that can start day 1. SVD and David equals 1 serviceable ILB. But, they play opposite positions. Deion Jones is solid, however there is no depth behind these guys. We need to play or cut Watts and Ramirez and move on.
Finally, Edge superstar is where the Godwin money has to go if we want to make a true Super Bowl run.
Godwin leaving opens up the slot for White where he is a better fit, and Culp which is a bigger and faster target in the middle of the field. I can see a White-Culp combination being more effective that Kelce.
Additionally, this opens up a 20-15 split between Bucky and Tucker. We must use Tucker because it will keep Bucky fresh and truly Tucker is a better true runner like Barkley.
Finally, Jarrett and Palmer must get more targets. Sheppard has no upside, is a small target, drops the ball and is slower than Palmer and Jarrett. If Jarrett or Palmer had received the opportunity that McMillan was given I think both would have done just as well.
My brother and I played a little ball and for McMillan to let the defender take his TD in the end zone during the Dallas game is AWFUL!I don’t care if it is Deion Sanders on me, if I don’t make the catch he does not make the catch. However that ball was placed where McMillan had the advantage and he is just not aggressive and strong enough to bring down 50/50 balls.
February 16th, 2025 at 2:27 pm
Sparky
Godwin was playing in the first AtL game…
February 16th, 2025 at 2:32 pm
Simple solution, pay the man. CG14 gives everything he has to this team. Great teammate, great receiver and great blocker. No way should you gamble with a Swaggy free agent if it is going to cost you a proven “homegrown” player. I don’t care about the business side of it. I would rather win or lose with our own over some unknown player looking for another fat bag before he hangs them up.
February 16th, 2025 at 2:47 pm
It is Oh Well season. What next. Will Bowles get to .500 that is the question.
February 16th, 2025 at 3:02 pm
Just wish they’d give Kameron Johnson more of a chance because the dude definitely has the talent. He’d probably be a good replacement for Sterling.
February 16th, 2025 at 3:10 pm
We can’t afford Godwin and the rookie all but replaced him anyway. Time to move on we have plenty of weapons what we don’t have is an edge rush! Go spend every penny we can on a dominate pass rusher watch how fast we become contenders.
Our defense was stilll average by NFL standards last year an edge rush makes us legit Super Bowl contenders.
February 16th, 2025 at 3:10 pm
If they let him go they STILL have an $18m cap hit – you can’t allocate dead money to defense so it’s not an either/or proposal I don’t think
February 16th, 2025 at 3:27 pm
The Bucs will re-sign Godwin and we will also fill all the holes on defense. Everyone knows we are 2-3 impact players away on defense from being a Super Bowl favorite.
February 16th, 2025 at 3:30 pm
Everyone chill. Jason and Greenberg have this. This isn’t a “Godwin or the Defense” challenge, it’s “Godwin AND the defense” challenge.”
(Sorry for the use of caps but it seems to be all the rage.)
Go Bucs.
February 16th, 2025 at 3:51 pm
The only team with the medical records is the Bucs. If they don’t make a big offer, teams may get spooked.
February 16th, 2025 at 3:56 pm
They need to keep Godwin. I hope they keep Godwin. He is a tough sob and a proven consistent producer with great hands. Fearless.
When another receiver besides mike has those qualities (or even just two of those qualities) on the bucs then ok start rationalizing how we can do without him.
February 16th, 2025 at 4:25 pm
Sign Chris and get a top FA Edge player. Draft at least the top 5 rounds on defense. The only offensive player I would draft is a speedy WR that can also return punts.
February 16th, 2025 at 5:12 pm
CG is the #1 WR when he can play. Problem is that he is injury prone and unlikely to play every game. Think the Bucs should try to re-sign him, but not at the expense of getting top flight defensive Free Agents. Bucs need Garrett and if they have a chance to sign him, they need to do that first.
February 16th, 2025 at 6:47 pm
The offense is far better than the defense even without Godwin. In a perfect world you keep him but miney has to be spent on defense
February 16th, 2025 at 7:18 pm
What RedZone said–we don’t save money if Godwin leaves. His deferred $18 million hits immediately. SIGN him, we spread it out over years, grab a free agent or two
February 16th, 2025 at 7:36 pm
Another team ( or two ) will likely offer up a pile of $ for his services. My guesses are The Duuvall Coen’s & The Patriots. He may want a completely fresh start after two major injuries and a lot of water under The Causeway.
February 16th, 2025 at 10:00 pm
Joe
This is a depressing time to be a Bucs fan. The fans want Myles Garrett and the organization does nothing. I’m so done with this team until Week 1
The draft does not matter without Myles Garrett
Free Agency does not matter without Myles Garrett
Chris Godwin news is cool but honestly we’d rather have Myles Garrett
Yes Lavonte David should retire before CTE sets in from too many tackles, but he should def retire if we don’t get Myles Garrett.
For the love of god, trade the damn draft picks!
So sick of this team. Saquon Barkley could have easily been a Buc but we were too busy paying Winfield jr SMFH
February 17th, 2025 at 1:20 am
The big deal will be extending baker at the end of this season….
February 17th, 2025 at 3:23 am
Buc4evr … ‘CG is the #1 WR when he can play. Problem is that he is injury prone and unlikely to play every game.’
Chris was very solid until BA moved him to slot. Both of his serious injuries have occurred while he was playing slot. The New Orleans hit occurred when Godwin caught a pass over the middle of the field when Saints DB P.J. Williams tackled him below the knee. Invitation to major injury right there.
The Baltimore hit was quite similar. Godwin caught a pass over the middle, and as he lunged forward, the Ravens’ LB Rohan hit his ankle causing it to bend at an awkward angle. Hard to defend yourself in either situation.
That’s 2 major injuries in his 8 year career, both suffered in very similar receiving situations while operating as a slot receiver over the middle of the field. I don’t think that Chris in injury-prone, but I do think that role leaves him very vulnerable. Same goes for every other slot receiver.
February 17th, 2025 at 7:18 am
That’s an even more important reason to keep Godwin–(other than the YUGE cap hit if he leaves) need more than one slot guy, JMac was hurt also last year
February 17th, 2025 at 7:26 am
I think sadly he’s a goner. It’s not about what I want or say, ir what fans think. From a strictly business standpoint I think the money doesn’t make a lot of sense.
Go look at the cap space for instance. We have what $11-12 mill available last I checked.
Not the We already can’t afford these guys without adjusting or going over. If you really wanna compete long term then you have to let go. Unfortunately, that’s the way it is.
You sign LVD , CG12, and all these draft picks then look at where we are mathematically you can’t change the value of money being spent based on capital. Like you cannot ignore the data.
If you wanna lose money, games, and fans by resigning him then do that if you want to wait a few years and keep your money in the checking account well you have that option also. Simply based on math though giving LVD 11-12 million leaves the team with $0.00 to even sign rookies.
Which probably also is going to be total of around $10-12 million for all this year.
Then Godwin will want another $20+ mill easily. So now -$20 mill + interest taxed on cap hit. It makes no sense. That injury basically screwed us because now we have to let him go for nothing or overpay a lot to keep him. Sucks either way.
February 17th, 2025 at 7:35 am
Yep and that’s another think let em bake, what is gonna happen when we can’t afford to sign the star QB, the starting RT , etc.
Think we need to accept the reality that we’re in a rebuild phase. Let veterans walk that did their job and got us that SB. Because you know what right now overpaying to win a weak division is not worth $500-$1000 seats.
We have like I think $29mill that is supposedly to be released to make it $40 million, but still that’s not gonna keep CG12, LVD , and all these rookies. I can’t imagine how other teams have like $100 mill in cap space available for signing people. Have they even signed anyone in society at all to a contract? Sheesh lol
February 17th, 2025 at 8:06 am
If Chris was 26 years old I would keep him. The Bucs scored almost 30 points per game. That money could better to be used on the defense. The Cap is real, the bill will eventually come due.
February 17th, 2025 at 9:14 am
Question for Joe
If I am correct Chris Godwin is owed 18,852,000 in dead cap money. He will be paid this if he stays or if he leaves. His dead cap money can only be applied to Godwin and no one else. Wouldn’t it be prudent to sign him and get something for dead money in a player rather than nothing at all.
February 17th, 2025 at 10:29 am
Listen all this talk about Godwin , the real problem is the defense we should be focused on that , you can’t win a super bowl without a defense. I don’t care how good the offense is, bottom line what’s the sense we score and the other team scores you can’t stop no one . So that’s the big problem we need pass rushers. Look at Philly they won the super bowl with only 4 guys rushing the passer 4 guys and they did their job very well . So that’s what we need. Our offense is fine let’s focus on defense please.
February 17th, 2025 at 11:08 am
he played in more of the tougher games and missed more of the easier ones, so that won loss record is prolly a farce
February 17th, 2025 at 11:10 am
if we pass less better chance he stays healthy, and he’s a great blocker. he’s also the best third down guy. gotta keep him if possible, no way to replace that i’d think. he helps the defense more than just about anybody
February 17th, 2025 at 1:09 pm
Joe, I agree with what you’re saying but take exception to:
I believe Godwin would have been the difference in playoff game vs W. I think Coen would not have called those 2 failed run attempts (bucky, the baker) with Godwin on the field. Also no need to get tricksy with a jet sweep with you back against the goaline when your best 3rd down (1st down maker) is in the game. Not to mention we likely would have seen less balls bouncing off of Shepard’s chest had Godwin been available. So while our record may have been the same, I truly believe that playoff game would have had a different result with a healthy Godwin