The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Pro Bowl wide receiver Chris Godwin was arguably having his best statistical season as a pro before a season-ending injury prematurely ended it. Godwin caught 50 passes for 576 yards and five touchdowns in seven games. If he had played a full season, he would have had career highs in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, with 121 receptions for 1,399 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Unfortunately, Godwin suffered a season-ending ankle dislocation because of a hip-drop tackle in Week 7 against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers extended him despite the injury
Despite the significant injury, the Buccaneers re-signed Chris Godwin to a team-friendly contract extension. The deal is for three years and is worth $66 million, with $45 million guaranteed and up to $72 million. His $22 million APY makes him the 18th-highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL.
Also Read: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sign Elite Pro Bowl Receiver to 3-Year Deal
Extending Godwin suggests that he would be ready for the start of the 2025 season. Week 1 is approximately ten months after his ankle injury.
During the annual NFL League Meetings, Head Coach Todd Bowles told the media, via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, that they are optimistic that Chris Godwin will play Week 1. Bowles went on to say that they will know more about his health next month and see how Godwin feels once he starts running and practicing. Although nothing is official, he could miss mandatory minicamp or the start of training camp.
Who will carry the workload if he misses time?
The expectation is for Jalen McMillan to carry the workload if Chris Godwin misses any of camp or the start of the 2025 season. McMillan, their third-round pick from 2024, saw his role increase during his rookie season following the injury to their Pro Bowler. He caught 37 passes for 461 yards and eight touchdowns. The former third-round pick finished third at the position in receptions and receiving yards and second in receiving touchdowns on the team.
Sterling Shepard’s role would also increase in this hypothetical scenario. Shepard saw his role increase and took over in the slot. He finished the year with 32 receptions for 334 yards and one touchdown. He finished fourth at the position in receptions and yards.
