ESPN Ranks Buccaneers Star Wide Receiver as Top 10 Free Agent for 2025

What will the Tampa Bay Buccaneers do with wide receiver Chris Godwin this offseason?

Oct 21, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) celebrates a first down against the Baltimore Ravens in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got the brunt of their free agent work done during the 2024 offseason, but that doesn't mean there aren't some more free agents to take care of this offseason. One of those free agents happens to be one of their best players.

Bucs wideout Chris Godwin is set to hit the market in 2025. And although his dislocated ankle injury will keep him out for the rest of the year, his All-Pro pace prior to that injury will have plenty of teams interested in the veteran wideout. ESPN acknowledges this, as they have Godwin ranked No. 10 on their list of top free agents heading into the offseason.

Here's what ESPN writer Jeremy Fowler had to say about Godwin:

"Assuming his recovery is on schedule, as expected, Godwin would increase his market value by actually testing it. Too many other teams need the production of a high-end receiver in his prime. But Godwin also gives off "Buc for life" vibes as a team cornerstone and leader who loves playing in Tampa Bay. Mike Evans' reasonable contract ($20.5 million per year) leaves room to extend Godwin as a bookend playmaker"

Godwin would probably like to come back to the Buccaneers after having his season cut short this year, but it's never a bad idea to test the market. Another aspect will be offensive coordinator Liam Coen — Coen has been able to maximize Godwin's usage in the slot and create a lot of production, so if he leaves for a head coaching job, either Godwin or Tampa Bay could look at the situation differently.

For now, though, Godwin will focus on healing his ankle and preparing for next year — or, if the Buccaneers somehow make the playoffs at 4-6, he could perhaps gear up for a late appearance.

READ MORE: Ravens LB Roquan Smith Won’t Be Fined for Season-Ending Hit on Bucs WR Chris Godwin

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