Chris Godwin, one of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ star wide receivers, recently revealed that he came close to leaving the team in free agency. However, his deep connection to Tampa and the organization ultimately led him to stay.
In an interview, Godwin admitted that he strongly considered his options during free agency. “I was really close,” he said when asked about the possibility of signing elsewhere. “At the end of the day, though, Tampa just felt like home.”
Godwin has been a key piece of the Buccaneers’ offense since being drafted in 2017. He played a crucial role in the team’s Super Bowl LV victory and has consistently been one of the league’s most reliable receivers. Despite dealing with injuries in recent years, his production and leadership have made him invaluable to the franchise.
One of the major factors in his decision to stay was the relationships he built within the organization. “It’s more than just football,” Godwin explained. “The people in the building, my teammates, the fans—everything about Tampa felt right.”
The Buccaneers placed the franchise tag on Godwin in 2022 before signing him to a three-year, $60 million contract. Now, with another season ahead, Godwin is focused on helping Tampa Bay remain competitive in the NFC South.
For the Buccaneers, keeping Godwin ensures stability on offense, especially after transitioning from Tom Brady to Baker Mayfield at quarterback. His chemistry with Mayfield grew throughout the 2023 season, and with another year together, expectations remain high.
As Tampa Bay continues building for the future, Godwin’s decision to stay reinforces the team’s culture and commitment to success. Though he may have been tempted by other opportunities, in the end, Tampa was where he truly belonged.
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