The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense will now look like a formidable unit with Chris Godwin coming back on a three-year deal.
Thought to be one of the most sought-after free agents in football had he hit the market, Bucs general manager Jason Licht made sure No. 14 never made it as he gave the receiver $66 million with $44 million guaranteed.
Considered to have left ample salary on the table, Godwin not only returns to the Buccaneers but also on a team-friendly deal, which makes it a win-win for the franchise.
The 33rd Team's Ian Valentino thinks the signing of Godwin is a home run.
"One of the most surprising early outcomes of free agency was that Chris Godwin never saw the open market," Valentino writes. "Instead, Godwin stayed in Tampa Bay for a solid number and reasonable duration. The Buccaneers avoided overpaying him relative to his upside, and won't be stuck with a huge guaranteed salary beyond 2026. Plus, he's perfect for Baker Mayfield and the offense, so this was a home run."
Godwin was on a blistering pace prior to his injury in Week 7 of last year, racking up 576 yards and five touchdowns to be one of Baker Mayfield's go-to weapons.
Now that he's returning, a trio of receivers, including Godwin, Mike Evans, and Jalen McMillan, gives Mayfield some serious weaponry to do business. Then we add in Bucky Irving and Cade Otton, and suddenly, the Bucs look rather formidable on paper.
It did look dicey at one stage, but Godwin returning to Tampa Bay is good for the soul as the Buccaneers get a Pro Bowl talent back on the cheap.
What the next move coming? With Haason Reddick added to the defense, maybe that's the home run on that side of the ball. ... as the Bucs work to remain a winning force in the NFC South.
But Godwin and the offensive gang being kept together?
And that, my friends, is the very definition of a home run.