The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost to the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football, but the pain from the loss pales in comparison to the Chris Godwin injury. The star wide receiver is feared to have suffered a dislocated ankle, bringing an end to what was arguably the best season of his career. Entering the week, Godwin ranked at or near the top of just about every meaningful wide receiver metric. Thriving under first-year offensive coordinator Liam Coen, Godwin proved he can still put up elite numbers in the right environment.
Chris Godwin was having a career year 💔
Where he ranked among WRs this season:
Receiving Yards: 576 (2nd)
Receiving TDs: 5 (T-3rd)
Drop Rate: 0.0% (T-1st)
Reception %: 80.6% (4th)
EPA per Target: 0.56 (9th)
Receiving 1st Downs: 33 (1st)
Explosive Receptions: 12 (T-3rd)(min.… https://t.co/s5ngEkYU0m pic.twitter.com/RxffR0ZKud
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) October 22, 2024
Unfortunately for the Buccaneers, he might have a new home next year. Chris Godwin is set to be a free agent, and even with the injury, his impressive season should be enough to earn him a massive payday. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers already spend franchise-altering money on quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Mike Evans, so they might not be able to bring Godwin back for another season. If he reaches the open market, the New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, and Los Angeles Chargers should enter a bidding war for the wide receiver’s services.
Chris Godwin Could Leave Buccaneers After Gruesome Injury – Patriots, Panthers, Chargers Top Suitors
The New England Patriots have found their long-awaited heir to Tom Brady in third-overall pick Drake Maye. While he’s only made two starts, the UNC product already has five touchdowns and is making throws Patriots fans haven’t seen in years. Finding the quarterback is the first step of any rebuild, but now New England must find adequate playmakers. Demario Douglas is the only receiver on the roster to show any real promise, as second-round pick Ja’Lynn Polk is in the midst of a disastrous season, fourth-round pick Javon Baker can’t see the field, and Kendrick Bourne is nothing more than a role player.
Assuming a full recovery from his ankle injury, Chris Godwin would be the perfect fit for this offense. Capable of playing in the slot and out wide, Godwin’s ability to quickly separate and his sound hands make him the ideal receiver for any developing quarterback. Players like Calvin Ridley did not want to sign with the Patriots last year, but perhaps Maye’s presence and New England’s league-leading $132.9 million in projected cap space will be enough to entice Godwin to join the Patriots.
Other Potential Fits
Few teams have a stronger grasp of Chris Godwin’s abilities than the Carolina Panthers. In addition to facing off against him twice a year, head coach Dave Canales spent the 2023 season as Tampa Bay’s offensive coordinator. With Diontae Johnson a probable trade target, Carolina could upgrade the position by signing someone with experience under Canales. While the Panthers don’t have the same financial liberties as New England, perhaps his injury will limit how much Chris Godwin gets on the open market.
The Los Angeles Chargers, meanwhile, desperately need help at wide receiver. Head coach Jim Harbaugh parted ways with the overpriced Keenan Allen and Mike Williams early in the offseason, deciding he could get by with a strong defense and young playmakers in Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey. So far, that hasn’t worked out, as the team is 3-3 largely because their receivers are an active liability. Justin Herbert had a phenomenal game in Week 7, but crucial mistakes throughout the depth chart led to a loss. Assuming he can return to form following the injury, Chris Godwin easily be the best option in town and could seamlessly fill the vacated Keenan Allen role.
Main Photo: Kim Klement Neitzel – USA Today Sports
