Buccaneers Could Lose Free Agent Wideout to NFC Rival

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers front office has been vocal about wanting to keep star wideout Chris Godwin in-house. 

"Hopefully, we can come to an agreement with him because Chris means the world to this organization, to all of us individually but as an organization as a whole," Licht told reporters at the NFL Combine. "Nobody has been more resilient than him. We've been down this road, a similar path, with him. Nobody has been more resilient and works harder than him."

But while Licht has his eyes on re-signing Godwin this offseason, other teams would also like to take advantage of his talent.

ESPN NFL insider Aaron Schatz thinks NFC rival Washington could have its sights set on Godwin.

"Terry McLaurin is one of the best outside wide receivers in the NFL, but most of Washington's receivers are free agents in 2025. Only McLaurin and 2024 third-round pick Luke McCaffrey remain right now. The Commanders could really use a strong slot receiver who could work underneath, and that's where Godwin comes in," Schatz writes.

"He had 576 yards and five touchdowns in seven games this past season before he suffered a left ankle injury. He ranked fifth out of all qualifying wide receivers in the ESPN receiver tracking metrics. Before that, he was coming off three straight 1,000-yard campaigns. Opponents couldn't double both Godwin and McLaurin, and that would make quarterback Jayden Daniels' life a lot easier."

Licht says the Bucs have begun contract negotiations with Godwin, but if those stall out, it's possible the wideout starts to get offers from elsewhere. And that would sting the Bucs.