Former Penn State wide receiver Chris Godwin chooses to stay with Bucs on new deal
Former Penn State wide receiver Chris Godwin was going to headline a weak wide receiver free agency class at the start of the league year this week. With a somewhat lean top of the 2025 NFL Draft, Godwin was the best available option for most teams to improve its receiver room for the upcoming season. That changed minutes into the legal negotiation window on Monday, March 10, when Godwin re-signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
As Ian Rappaport of the NFL Network reported, Godwin chose to take less money to stay in Tampa and play for the team that drafted him. According to multiple reports, the deal is for $66M over three years with $45M guaranteed.
Former Penn State receiver coming off injury-shortened season
Godwin is one of the NFL’s most reliable receivers when he’s healthy and on the field. The former Penn State receiver eclipsed 1,000 yards for five straight seasons despite the presence of future Hall of Famer Mike Evans at his position in the Bucs offense.
Godwin also has played multiple roles for the team, starting his career in the slot and playing a pivotal role in the team’s Championship run with Tom Brady in 2020. However, multiple leg injuries have marred his career, including a dislocated ankle that ended his 2024 season after seven weeks. Before that, Godwin had amassed 576 yards and 50 receptions in seven games, likely on his way to another 1,000-yard season.
Godwin is the second former Penn State player to sign a significant contract this offseason with their respective team. Saquon Barkley enjoyed his post-Super Bowl celebration with a two-year, $41.2 million extension, making him the highest paid running back in league history.
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That deal was followed by former teammate Mike Gesicki, who signed back with the Cincinnati Bengals for $25.5 million before hitting the free agent market.
As of writing, Penn State has multiple former players set to hit free agency, headlined by offensive lineman Will Fries and defensive tackle Austin Johnson. Fries earned a starting role with the Indianapolis Colts after his rookie season and started at right guard in 2023 and 2024 before an injury ended his season during Week Five.
Johnson spent last season with the Buffalo Bills as a rotational nose tackle on a Bills defense that already featured former Penn Stater DaQuan Jones. Johnson played 353 snaps, tallying 11 tackles and 15 assists, according to PFF.
