Chris Godwin’s Hidden Value
February 20th, 2025
League-wide interest.
One thing other than defenders not wrapping up ballcarriers that drives Joe up a tree is when on third (or fourth) downs, quarterbacks go turtle.
What does this mean? It’s when quarterbacks, again on third (or fourth) downs, throw short of the sticks. Joe goes absolutely mental over this. It was a hallmark of the Mike Glennon era of Bucs football.
Apparently, Baker Mayfield did this more than Joe thought. But this isn’t to bash Mayfield. Instead, it’s to praise the guy Mayfield threw to when he did throw short of the sticks.
Until Chris Godwin got hurt, he led the league in taking passes short of the sticks and turning them into first downs.
That’s what good guy Kevin Clark of ESPN said this week when he appeared on Mina Kimes’ podcast. Clark didn’t have the figures, but he used this intel to buoy his take that if Godwin hits the free agent market on March 12, his agent will become a very popular man and Godwin may be an even richer young man.
“Godwin led the league in quick throws,” Clark said, stating he read the stats on Mayfield and Godwin just before he chatted with Kimes. “He led the league in [short] passes until he got hurt. He had the ankle injury, obviously.
“And obviously, we’re [expecting Godwin] to be fully healthy, fully recovered, all that stuff. But until he got hurt, he was basically leading the league in passes, short of the sticks that [were converted to first downs] after the catch.”
Clark added when you combine Godwin’s production with how much of a class act he is — and a hard worker and a team-first guy — a team would be nuts not to reach out to his agent.
Clark also suggested it would be very wise for Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht to lock up Godwin before he has a chance to dip a toe in the free agent waters. Because if he does, Clark believes, Godwin will get all sorts of cash thrown in his face.
“I think when you hear that [about Godwin converting short passes to first downs], like, every single quarterback can benefit from that kind of guy,” Clark said.
To listen to Clark talk, he thinks the only other wide receiver who would draw more interest is Cincinnati’s Tee Higgins.
Clark seems spot on. And that’s very likely why Licht and Godwin’s camp agreed Tuesday on a two-week extension to hammer out a contract.
February 20th, 2025 at 7:23 am
Godwin stays. When God invented him, God predetermined that Chris would not only be drafted by the Bucs, but he would RETIRE with the Bucs. What people don’t know is that God made this same game-plan with Evans, Wirfs and also Bucky.
It’s in the Book of Light, Chapter 1, versus 1-14.
February 20th, 2025 at 7:23 am
Keep the man! Class act, indeed. And paired with Evans is a nightmare for defensive coordinators.
February 20th, 2025 at 7:47 am
The connection with Baker is uncanny, We are a loyal franchise, history actually matters here, keep him
February 20th, 2025 at 7:56 am
Todd … I hear ya; I’ve read it in the Book of Light too. You know the one that starts out ‘In the beginning, the Big Guy created Mike, Tristan, Bucky and Chris, then decreed that they would be Bucs. And he saw that they did good, and was pleased’.
Were we reading the same Book of Light?
February 20th, 2025 at 8:10 am
Would love to hear more about the progression of Godwins’ recovery-Joe??
February 20th, 2025 at 8:16 am
When mentioning Mina Kimes in your post – moving forward, you are required to post her picture in said post. Clear?
February 20th, 2025 at 8:24 am
“And then he spoketh of ages past and did sing praise for Selmon and Alstott and Brooks and Barber. And there was much rejoicing”
February 20th, 2025 at 8:32 am
I never knew Glennon had an era.
February 20th, 2025 at 8:49 am
Razorramone … I need to re-read the Book of Light. I’m sure that Sapp & Lynch made it in there someplace.
February 20th, 2025 at 8:50 am
Henry… Short “era”… only one real starting season and gone after 4 years not getting a second contract (shocker)… the crappy pre-Licht part of our history … 6′ 7” giraffe bridge QB between Freeman (after going off the deep end) and drafting Jameis first pick of the draft. Not something anyone wants to remember.
I noticed that Sapp wasn’t mentioned in the Book of Light… Lynch to be in there somewhere though, right? Sapp was probably one of the best Buccaneers ever, but no getting around that he was a d!ck. Loved the sacks he used to put on Favre!! Glad we had him for sure… just don’t randomly go up to him and introduce yourself. LOL
February 20th, 2025 at 8:55 am
This chapter of the Book of Light refers only to players who did play for the Buccaneers and only the Buccaneers. Huzzah!!!
February 20th, 2025 at 9:12 am
Nothing about Godwin is hidden. He is a great and dependable player. Hope he signs a three year deal and stays a Buc. It is obvious he has a great connection with Mayfield. Would like an update on his injury rehab if anyone has some info.
February 20th, 2025 at 9:20 am
@defenserules
Yes, same collection of God’s Word. However, the scripture you’re referencing is actually one Book prior, the Book of Glazer. It’s crazy how all the books are providentially woven together.
And of course, “we” know how the collection ends in the Book of Bucs Revelation, all players referenced are inducted into the NFL Hall of Biblical Fame.
February 20th, 2025 at 9:54 am
@Joe
In your article about Tetairoa McMillan you never mentioned that he is Jalen McMillan’s brother.
February 20th, 2025 at 10:01 am
Ummm….I think that’s the book of Licht.
February 20th, 2025 at 10:14 am
Todd … The Book of Revelation is a bit hard to follow, but I love the way it ends … Bucs win.
February 20th, 2025 at 10:15 am
Fred … Good catch. I need to update my spelchkar
February 20th, 2025 at 10:28 am
I dunno about spell checkers, DR. They tend to turn a minor misspelling into something embarrassing.
And also, now that Joe brought it up, I do remember quite a few times when I cussed about a short 3rd down pass that Godwin somehow converted. I think you’ll find that in the book of Cardiac.
February 20th, 2025 at 10:52 am
Hypocrisy oozes.
February 20th, 2025 at 12:17 pm
Have to see Bucky a little more before I call him Buc for life.
February 20th, 2025 at 1:42 pm
Three teams will pursue CG: Jax, Car, Vegas
Vegas is interesting because they need a WR, TB12 loves CG, and he’s a great fit on a Carroll coached team that likes to run the ball.
February 20th, 2025 at 2:35 pm
with Chris and ME13 playing JMac will be open on every play
February 20th, 2025 at 4:15 pm
Godwin will command close to or more than 20 mil per year. No way should we pay that. Thatvis serious edge rusher money. Edge rushers are number 2 or 3 in postion value. Sorry, but CG wont give us a discount less than 19 or mil. He getting old and has missed a lot of time lately. That is MG money for the next two years. Ill take MG over CG, all day. I like CG but, I love my team, not just a player. At the end of the day, all levels of sports are business. Signing CG at this point is an emotional purchase. We need an edge rusher. MG will be hungry to play for a contender. Hes already a HOF. Think of that DL!
February 20th, 2025 at 5:07 pm
exactly
February 20th, 2025 at 5:24 pm
HOW DARE YOU SAY ANYTHING NEGATIVE ABOUT OUR LORD AND SAVIOR BAKER MAYFIELD! IM VERY OFFENSE AND CANCELING MY SUBSCRIPTION TO YOUR SITE UNTIL YOU POST A FULL PAGE APOLOGY AND PIN IT AS THE TOP STORY FOR THE 10 YEARS!
Oh wait, there is no subscription. Well, that doesn’t matter, I’m STILL GOING TO BOYCOTT, and by that I mean post on every article that mentions Baker that he’s the best QB to ever play and the true GOAT and a future HOF and MVP.
February 20th, 2025 at 8:56 pm
Next thing we’re gonna read is how getting first downs is good for time of possession, which contributes to winning. Incredible.
February 20th, 2025 at 9:29 pm
Jeebus Cringe. What in the name of Rhett Bomar is going on?
We need a mock draft of football loving deities right away.