Buccaneers announce long-term deal with former Penn State star Chris Godwin

The Buccaneers have announced a long-term deal with star wide receiver Chris Godwin. The former Penn State star will continue catching passes from Tom Brady and chasing Super Bowls with the NFC South franchise.

After multiple reports, Tampa Bay confirmed the rumors on Monday via their team website.

“Forget the franchise tag. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chris Godwin have a long-term deal in place,” wrote the franchise in a press release. “On Monday, the Buccaneers announced the re-signing of Godwin to a new three-year contract. Despite missing the last three games of the regular season due to a knee injury, Godwin led the Buccaneers in 2021 with 98 catches for 1,103 yards, scoring six total touchdowns.

“Prior to the start of free agency, the Buccaneers had placed the franchise tag on Godwin for the second year in a row. Godwin played the 2021 season on the tender offer that came with that initial tag, but this year the two sides were clearly motivated to get a multi-year deal done.”

As you can see, the Buccaneers made it a priority to keep Chris Godwin in Tampa Bay on multiple occasions. Now, the former Penn State star will continue calling the only franchise he’s ever known home.

Tom Brady announces he’s returning for his 23rd NFL season

Moreover, Chris Godwin’s return to Tampa Bay may be overshadowed by his quarterback. One of the greatest of all time announced he would be hanging up his cleats shortly after the 2021 season ended in Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady. Playing for 22 seasons, Brady was going to go out with six Super Bowl rings between Tampa Bay and the New England Patriots.

However, the journey is not over for Brady. He shocked everyone last Sunday by announcing he would be returning for his 23rd year in the NFL next season.

“These past two months I’ve realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands,” Brady said via Twitter. “That time will come. But it’s not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I’m coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa. Unfinished business LFG”

Brady makes his announcement just hours before free agency begins in the NFL. Tampa Bay was going to have a lot of decisions to make but now, with Brady back, the Buccaneers are once again an intriguing destination for free agents to land.

Throughout his career, Brady has thrown for 84520 yards and 624 touchdowns. Splitting time between the Buccaneers and the Patriots, the six championships are more than anybody in the history of the NFL.

Now, he will return next season hoping to get one final Super Bowl next season with head coach Bruce Arians. After falling short against the Los Angeles Rams this season, there will be a better opportunity for Tampa Bay to lift another trophy after a frantic offseason in the NFC.