Former Penn State wide receiver Chris Godwin cashed in on his next contract but opted to leave substantial money on the table

After a lot of speculation, former Penn State star wide receiver Chris Godwin opted to return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a 3 year/$66 million deal. $44 million of that total deal is guaranteed. The leadership and production of the 29-year old will be welcomed back with open arms.

Despite dealing with an ankle dislocation in 2024, Godwin was expected to be quite the hot commodity if he hit the open market. According to a source on the Tampa Bay side, Godwin was expected to command an annual salary more in the $25 million range. It has been reported by several insiders that Godwin left somewhere around $20 million on the table, and the New England Patriots were one team mentioned. 

In 7 games last season, Godwin hauled in 50 receptions for 576 yards and five touchdowns. During the course of Godwin’s career, he has managed to reel in 579 receptions for 7,266 yards and 39 touchdowns. He has created a great duo with Mike Evans over the years.

Godwin was originally a third round draft selection by the Buccaneers in the 2017 NFL Draft. He was outstanding during his Nittany Lions career. The 6-1, 209-pound pass catcher managed to make 154 receptions for 2,421 yards and 18 scores. That is a healthy average of 15.7 yards per reception, which backs up the 4.42 forty-yard dash time he ran at the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine.

Godwin means much more for the Buccaneers than a good football player. He is also one of the most important leaders on this roster that is most likely saying goodbye to linebacker Lavonte David this offseason. Everyone is excited to get Godwin back, especially quarterback Baker Mayfield.

It’s also a tremendous discount for Tampa Bay, who got one of the more productive wide receivers in the NFL at a very affordable price. That contract makes Godwin tied as just the nineteenth highest-paid wide receiver in the league.