Home/NFL

via Imago

via Imago

Wide receivers stirring up drama in the offseason? Yeah, no shocker there. Over in Cincinnati, Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are eyeing extensions so hefty they might just break the Bengals’ bank. Meanwhile, in Seattle, DK Metcalf is packing his bags—well, at least that’s the buzz after his trade request sent shockwaves through the Seahawks’ camp. That said, their future is still uncertain for the 2025 season.

However, Todd Bowles and the Bucs are out there making the necessary moves when it comes to their WR corp. For the last few weeks, there have been rumors Chris Godwin may part ways with Tampa Bay to play somewhere else. But nah, that’s not going to happen. Brace yourselves, Bucs’ fans, because Godwin is all set to return for another three years—with a lucrative deal.

On Monday, the sportswriter and reporter, Adam Schefter, reported on his official Instagram handle that Tampa Bay has re-signed Godwin on a three-year deal. “Tampa Bay is re-signing free-agent WR Chris Godwin to a three-year, $66 million contract in which two are fully guaranteed, per sources. The deal has a max value of $72 million,” he reported.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Adam Schefter (@adamschefter)

The 29-year-old Godwin is coming off a season-ending ankle injury. Prior to his injury, Godwin was having arguably the best season of his career. In his first seven games with Tampa Bay, the wide receiver recorded 50 receptions for 576 yards and five touchdowns. However, in week 7 game against the Baltimore Ravens, the wideout suffered a left ankle injury late in the 4th quarter.

The injury required him to be carted off the field. Later, the team confirmed that Godwin had suffered an ankle dislocation. That said, the WR underwent a surgery and had to miss the remainder of the season. Now that he’s all set to return for the ninth season of his career, no wonder the Bucs have one of the best O-lines in 2025. The reason?

Well, despite Godwin’s absence, Baker Mayfield thrived under the first year offensive coordinator, Liam Coen (now the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars). The QB finished his season with 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns (each of them were his career highs). Cherry on the cake? Mike Evans is also returning after recording his 11th consecutive 1,000+ yard season (1,004 yards and 11 touchdowns).

On top of that, Jalen McMillan must be gearing up to enter his sophomore season with the Bucs after having a notable rookie season. The Tampa Bay drafted him in the third round in 2024. The guy started 12 games and finished his rookie season with 461 yards and 8 touchdowns. So yeah, it’s safe to say that Baker Mayfield and Co. are ready to thrive again in 2025. Plus, the team’s also updating their defense.

What’s your perspective on:

With Godwin's lucrative deal, are the Bucs making the right moves to secure their future?

Have an interesting take?

Baker Mayfield’s team includes a veteran pass rusher

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had an offense that could light up the scoreboard last season—no doubt about that. But their defense? Well, that’s where things got a little dicey. Think of it like Stranger Things—their offense was all smooth sailing in the real world, while their defense kept slipping into the Upside Down.

The Bucs ranked 18th in the league, giving up 341.8 yards per game, and sat 16th in points allowed. And when it came to takeaways? Well, only 7 interceptions and 18 takeaways throughout the season. As the free agency is here, Todd Bowles and his crew are now gearing up to bolster their D-line ahead of the 2025 campaign. Their latest move?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Well, after re-signing Godwin, the Buccaneers also agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Jets‘ linebacker Haason Reddick. On Monday, the NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported the news on his official ‘X’ handle. Haason Reddick has agreed to terms on a 1-year deal for $14mil with $12mil guaranteed with the Buccaneers. Deal negotiated by Drew Rosenhaus,” he reported.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The team will sign Reddick for one year when free agency opens on Mar. 12. During the 2024 NFL season, Reddick was traded to the New York Jets. However, just before the beginning of the regular season, Reddick requested a trade following a contract holdout. However, the Jets GM, Joe Douglas, stated that the team would not trade the pass rusher. “He is expected to be here with his teammates, and that he will continue to be fined per the CBA if he does not report,” the GM stated.

Later, Reddick played 10 games with the Jets and recorded 14 combined tackles, including two for loss, and made one sack. Well, this signing looks less like a solid move and more like a gamble. The Bucs are expected to bring a solid D-line in 2025. That said, this season could be a make or break for Haason Reddick.

Have something to say?

Let the world know your perspective.

ADVERTISEMENT

0
  Debate

Debate

With Godwin's lucrative deal, are the Bucs making the right moves to secure their future?

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT