Bucs Debate How Much Chris Godwin Signing Is A True Need

Much of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offseason focus has been on tying receiver Chris Godwin to a new contract.

With Godwin set to be a free agent and coming off a nasty ankle injury, it hasn't been straightforward getting a deal done. The Buccaneers want to retain No. 14, and we get the sense that he also wants to stay, but the money has to be right.

Looking at the Buccaneers' options for Baker Mayfield in 2025 with Josh Grizzard as his offensive coordinator, with or without Godwin, Baker still has some nice options.

And as NFL.com's Kevin Patra writes, the rise of Jalen McMillan and the evergreen Mike Evans are a good starting point.

"If Tampa keeps him, it'll boast a premium trio," Patra writes. "Evans refuses to slow down, netting his 11th straight season with 1K yards despite missing three games in 2024. McMillan shined down the stretch while playing in Godwin's place. The third-round pick is one I'd bet on having a big Year 2 leap, regardless of whether Godwin returns. His production was not a mirage. 

"If the Bucs can't bring back Godwin, another wideout would be needed, but Evans and McMillan comprise a nice base for Baker Mayfield, who has to break in yet another new play-caller in 2025."

Evans and McMillan, who came on strong in Godwin's absence last season, are a solid starting point for the Buccaneers. Does that render Godwin as something less than a "need''?

Of course, having Godwin as part of the offense would take it to another level, and all signs point to a deal eventually getting done; it is just a matter of when. But with the new league year fast approaching, the Bucs are running out fo time to get a deal done before teams thirsty for a receiver come knocking.

Mayfield has shown he can work well with and without Godwin, and while the thought of not having the Pro Bowler around won't shake the offensive faith in 2025, it will sure be far better having him than not.