$60 million wide receiver and Tampa Bay Buccaneer, Chris Godwin may be a part of a blockbuster trade this offseason to help one AFC East team. The Buccaneers have one of the most formidable duo wideouts in the league, including Mike Evans. They extended Evans’ contract by expanding him to a two-year, $52 million contract in March after setting an NFL record with at least 1,000 receiving yards. However, Godwin signed a three-year, $60 million deal in 2022 after playing under a franchise tag.
According to a source, it’s a lot of cash for a franchise that’s looking to add some receiver depth. This probably means sacrificing someone like Godwin in a trade would help relieve the financial pressure to use the money to bring in depth. This would provide flexibility for the Buccaneers who are coming off a promising season under franchise quarterback, Baker Mayfield. The same source said the proposed scenario would involve Tampa Bay shipping Godwin to the New England Patriots.
This makes sense for the new era of the Patri0ts after Bill Belichick’s departure. However, the receiving corps doesn’t look promising for incoming rookie quarterback from North Carolina, Drake Maye. He’s locked to be the next franchiser for the next several years after struggling to find one since Tom Brady’s departure to Tampa Bay. The wideout corps consists of players who have either never caught a pass in the NFL or didn’t finish with more than 50 catches last year.
They still need to give Maye a dependable option to use so they may want to the source’s claim suggestion. Godwin would shift the entire roster depth but still needs to prove his worth to the Patriots. Godwin would be WR1 and be an immediate upgrade for Maye.
$60 Million Wide Receiver Chris Godwin May Be Apart of Blockbuster Trade
How He Could Fit With Patriots
Godwin would make Maye’s rookie year a lot easier considering the weapons the Patriots have now. The New England receiving corps consists of Kendrick Bourne, Kayson Boutte and JuJu Smith-Schuster so there’s only one big name for the team. Adding Godwin would create the new formidable duo with Smith-Schuster so that would be something to look forward to for Maye. This is something that Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe were lacking but one is already with the Jaguars and the other may be on the trade block.
Last season, Godwin was able to notch 83 catches for 1,024 yards and two touchdowns with the Buccaneers. He’s only 28 and has a lot to give to any team that needs a receiver. It looks like Tampa Bay wants to move on from him since they’re spending so much on their roster. This would free their chances to get two receivers with that kind of money.
Godwin made Brady’s transition easier to Tampa Bay when he shockingly left the Patriots for them. They’ve connected on 293 passes for 3,283 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Patriots should probably try to make a blockbuster trade happen. If not, here are some other trade fits that would make sense for Godwin.
Team Trade Fits for Godwin
The Baltimore Ravens are fit after Odell Beckham’s exit from the roster means they must replace him with a key player. They can’t depend on Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews for another year since this could lead to a heavier load and burnout. Rashod Bateman is coming back but he’s coming off a disappointing 2023 campaign and doesn’t look to improve numbers. However, the Rashee Rice situation is getting out of hand after finding himself in more trouble.
The Chiefs’ patience is wearing thin so they may need a new WR1 to help new draft pick Xavier Worthy establish himself. Also, it would help guys like Marquise Brown and Kadarius Toney get some touches in the right moment. One final fit would be with the Carolina Panthers who’ve been active with the receiver market this free agency. They were successful after trading for Diontae Johnson this offseason so they could do the same with Godwin.
