The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have one port of call this offseason - work out a contract with Chris Godwin.
With the receiver a pending free agent and coming off an ankle injury that ended his year at Week 7, the Buccaneers know how important No. 14 is to the franchise.
Plus, prior to his injury, Godwin was a menace, totaling 576 yards and five touchdowns in just seven games.
Now, on the comeback trail, Godwin doesn't have a new contract...yet, but we imagine that based on everything we've heard from the Buccaneers, something will get worked out.
And for Pro Football Network, while it is crucial for the Buccaneers to re-sign Godwin, the emergence of Jalen McMillan might make things a little difficult.
"Assuming his recovery from a Week 7 dislocated ankle is progressing, Chris Godwin would seem like a clear must-sign for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers," PFN writes. "Still only 29 years old for next season, Godwin was on pace for a career-high 1,398 receiving yards prior to his season-ending injury.
"The emergence of Jalen McMillan in the second half of the season gives the Bucs a solid insurance policy if they can’t strike a deal with Godwin. Due in part to McMillan’s emergence, Tampa Bay’s passing-game productivity didn’t decline much after Godwin’s injury."
Yes, McMillan and his eight touchdowns certainly do make fans wonder if the franchise should move off of Godwin, but let's be clear - Jalen is no Godwin.
When he and Mike Evans were on the field, the Bucs' offense, led by Baker Mayfield, was superb. Now, with a new offensive coordinator in Josh Grizzard, many expect the offense to run similarly but with a few wrinkles.
And yes, we imagine that Grizzard wants Godwin to be part of his unit.
If Tampa Bay has playoff aspirations and more in 2025, then yes, Godwin is a "must-sign" this offseason.
