Chris Godwin’s $66 Million Contract Extension: What It Means for Him and the Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have secured one of their most reliable offensive weapons for the next three seasons. Wide receiver Chris Godwin signed a three-year, $66 million contract extension, ensuring he remains with the team through the 2027 NFL season.
This deal ends months of speculation about Godwin’s future, as he was set to enter free agency after an injury-shortened 2024 season.
But what does this multi-million-dollar deal mean for:
- Chris Godwin’s career and legacy?
- The Buccaneers’ financial situation and long-term strategy?
- Tampa Bay’s offense moving forward?
Let’s break it all down.
Chris Godwin’s Journey to the Buccaneers’ Star Receiver
Early Career and Breakout Seasons
- Drafted in 2017 (3rd Round, 84th overall) from Penn State.
- Showed early potential but broke out in 2019, finishing with:
- 1,333 receiving yards
- 86 receptions
- 9 touchdowns
- Earned Pro Bowl honors in 2019 and became one of the NFL’s most consistent wideouts.
Super Bowl Champion in 2020
- Formed an elite WR duo with Mike Evans in Tampa Bay.
- Became a key target for Tom Brady in Super Bowl LV.
- Finished the 2020 season with 840 yards despite missing four games.
- Helped the Buccaneers win their second-ever Super Bowl.
Overcoming Injuries and Proving His Value
- Tore ACL in December 2021, missing the end of the season.
- Came back strong in 2022 and 2023, proving he could still be a WR1-caliber player.
- Entered 2024 with high expectations but suffered a dislocated ankle in Week 7 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Why Tampa Bay Couldn’t Afford to Lose Him
Despite his 2024 injury, Chris Godwin remained one of the most reliable and productive wide receivers in the NFL.
- Three straight 1,000-yard seasons (2021-2023).
- Elite route-running and ability to line up in the slot or outside.
- Excellent chemistry with QB Baker Mayfield, who also re-signed with the Bucs.
With free agency looming, Tampa Bay had to decide whether to pay Godwin or let him walk. Ultimately, they chose to invest in him as part of their long-term plan.
Breaking Down the Contract: Chris Godwin’s New Deal
Financial Details
- Contract Length: 3 years
- Total Value: $66 million
- Average Per Year: $22 million
- Guaranteed Money: $44 million
How It Compares to Other WR Contracts
Chris Godwin’s deal places him among the top wide receivers in the NFL in terms of average salary:
| Player | Team | Total Contract | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyreek Hill | Miami Dolphins | $120M (4 years) | $30M/year |
| Davante Adams | Las Vegas Raiders | $140M (5 years) | $28M/year |
| A.J. Brown | Philadelphia Eagles | $100M (4 years) | $25M/year |
| Chris Godwin | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | $66M (3 years) | $22M/year |
| Terry McLaurin | Washington Commanders | $68.4M (3 years) | $22.8M/year |
Godwin’s contract keeps him in the top 10 highest-paid receivers, reflecting his value to the Buccaneers.
Cap Impact and Team Flexibility
- First-year cap hit is lower, allowing Tampa Bay to retain other key players.
- Structure includes incentives and bonuses, making it a team-friendly deal.
- Bucs can restructure after two years if they need cap space.
What This Means for the Buccaneers
1. Securing a Long-Term Weapon for Baker Mayfield
- Mayfield and Godwin developed strong chemistry in 2023.
- With Mike Evans aging (turning 31 this year), keeping Godwin ensures a younger WR1 option.
- Offensive coordinator Liam Coen can continue using Godwin as a slot weapon and deep threat.
2. Tampa Bay’s Offensive Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
The Buccaneers now have a clear WR depth chart:
- Chris Godwin – WR1 in the slot & outside
- Mike Evans – Still dominant but aging
- Trey Palmer – Young speedster with potential
- Rakim Jarrett – Developmental piece
With Mayfield and Godwin both locked in, Tampa Bay’s offense remains dangerous in the NFC South.
3. Cap Strategy and Future Roster Moves
The Buccaneers still need to make key roster moves:
- Offensive Line Upgrades – Protecting Mayfield is critical.
- Running Back Depth – Rachaad White needs support.
- Defensive Secondary – Could use reinforcements.
Despite Godwin’s contract, Tampa Bay still has cap flexibility to address these needs.
Chris Godwin’s Reaction and Future Goals
Signing Day Celebration with Family
- Godwin’s wife, Mariah, and newborn son attended his signing ceremony.
- Mariah shared a photo on Instagram, calling Tampa Bay their “home.”
- The Buccaneers posted a heartfelt welcome back video on social media.
Godwin’s Goals for the Next 3 Years
- Win another Super Bowl with Tampa Bay.
- Continue to be a top-10 WR in the league.
- Stay healthy and play at a Pro Bowl level.
- Mentor younger receivers like Trey Palmer.
Godwin’s loyalty to Tampa Bay shows he’s committed to finishing his prime years with the Bucs.
: A Win-Win Deal for Both Sides
Chris Godwin’s three-year, $66 million contract keeps him in Tampa Bay, where he’s built a Super Bowl legacy.
- The Buccaneers secure their WR1 for years to come.
- Godwin gets paid while staying with a team he loves.
- Baker Mayfield keeps his top target, ensuring continuity.
- The Buccaneers remain contenders in the NFC South.
This extension is a smart financial move and a big win for both the team and the player.
What’s Next?
- Can Chris Godwin stay healthy and return to Pro Bowl form?
- Will the Buccaneers add more weapons in free agency or the draft?
- Can Tampa Bay compete for another Super Bowl?
Only time will tell, but for now, Godwin and the Bucs are ready to run it back.
