Despite injury concern, keeping WR Chris Godwin could be right move for Buccaneers

In Week 7 against the Baltimore Ravens last season, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin suffered a season-ending ankle injury. Despite that, he's set to return to the club in 2025.

On Monday, NFL Media's Ian Rapoport tweeted Godwin has agreed to re-sign with the Buccaneers. According to Rapoport, the 29-year-old wideout is getting a three-year, $66M deal with $44M guaranteed. 

Giving one-time Pro Bowler Godwin a new deal keeps Tampa Bay's explosive receiving corps — which also features six-time Pro Bowl WR Mike Evans — intact.

Godwin has finished with 1,000 receiving yards or more four times in eight seasons with the club. During the 2020 season, he helped Tampa Bay win its second Super Bowl.

Godwin was on track to have one of the best years of his career before suffering his injury. 

Per ESPN's Jenna Laine, Godwin led the league in receptions (50), ranked second in receiving yards (576) and was tied for third in touchdown catches (five) through his first seven games. 

While the injury is a concern, Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said he believes the WR will recover from it. 

"If I was a betting man, I would bet on Chris," Licht said at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Feb. 25.

Godwin has proved he can rebound from a significant injury, which probably gives Licht and Co. more confidence.

During the 2021 season, Godwin tore his ACL and sprained his MCL in his right knee. The following year, he had a career-high 104 receptions for 1,023 receiving yards and three touchdown catches in 15 games, finishing seventh in Comeback Player of the Year voting.

If Godwin stays healthy next season and helps the Buccaneers win their fifth straight NFC South title, retaining him will prove to be the right move for Tampa Bay.