The countdown to the Bucs’ 2026 season is on. Proper now, we’re:
83 days away from Bucs common season kickoff53 days away from Bucs preseason kickoff37 days away from Bucs coaching camp
Within the lead-up to coaching camp, Pewter Report’s Bailey Adams might be diving into storylines for 26 key figures who might be essential to the Bucs’ success in 2026.
At this time, the sequence continues with large receiver Chris Godwin Jr.
26 For ‘26: Chris Godwin Jr. Bucs Storylines In 2026
With Mike Evans Gone, This Is Chris Godwin Jr.’s WR Room
When Chris Godwin Jr. was drafted within the 2017, Mike Evans had already been a Buccaneer for 3 seasons and had three 1,000-yard campaigns and 27 profession touchdowns to his identify. Who higher for Godwin to be taught from upon getting drafted within the third spherical out of Penn State?
Bucs WRs Mike Evans and Chris Godwin – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
Quickly sufficient, Evans and Godwin established themselves because the first- and second-best receivers in franchise historical past, respectively. They fashioned one of many league’s prime receiving duos for almost a decade, and in recent times, they led a younger receiver room collectively.
However now, Evans is in San Francisco, which suggests that is Godwin’s large receiver room now. Possibly he gained’t be the clearly outlined WR1 contemplating the wealth of weapons quarterback Baker Mayfield should unfold the ball round to. He undoubtedly gained’t be what Evans was for this offense contemplating they’re two fully totally different receivers.
However that is Godwin’s group. That is Yr 10 for the 30-year previous, and the one receivers who’re locks to make the group together with him are 24, 23, 24 and 21 years previous. That’s a third-year professional in McMillan, second-year execs in Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson and a rookie in Ted Hurst.
Bucs WRs Jalen McMillan and Chris Godwin Jr. – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
When the offense is dealing with a vital third-and-6, who’s the skilled, dependable chain mover who is aware of the best way to win in these conditions? It’s Godwin. It might be Egbuka or McMillan or any of the others in time, however Godwin is that man proper now. Think about his management and mentorship potential — one thing he has proudly displayed even with Evans round — and also you’ll be seeing a captain’s “C” on Godwin’s jersey this yr.
And rightfully so. That is his room.
What Does Chris Godwin Jr. Have Left In The Tank At Age 30?
With all of that mentioned about this large receiver room belonging to Godwin, maybe the most important query surrounding the four-time 1,000-yard receiver this season is what he has left within the tank. Or perhaps it’s higher put this manner: In his age-30 season, can Godwin get again to the participant he was previous to his season-ending harm in 2024?
Godwin has been by means of so much over the course of his profession. Amid what was certain to be his second Professional Bowl marketing campaign in 2021, he suffered a devastating knee harm that ended his season and helped injury the Bucs’ hopes of a Tremendous Bowl repeat. He got here again with a 1,000-yard season in 2022, however he nonetheless wasn’t actually himself.
Godwin then regarded extra like the true Godwin in 2023 and particularly in the beginning of 2024, which noticed him catch 50 of his 62 targets for 576 yards and 5 touchdowns in simply seven video games in Liam Coen’s offense. However then got here one other devastating season-ending harm. This time, it was a fractured and dislocated ankle.
Bucs WR Chris Godwin Jr. – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
In his return to the sector final yr, Godwin by no means actually reached the heights he soared to previous to that second season-ending harm. He was restricted to 9 video games (six begins) and posted profession lows in targets (51), catches (33) and yards (360). There have been indicators late within the yr that he was returning to type, however will he be extra just like the Godwin of previous this yr, or is that participant a factor of the previous because of his age and a number of season-ending accidents?
If Bucs OTAs and mini-camp are something to go by, issues are wanting promising for a Godwin rebound this yr. Granted, it’s been in shorts, jerseys and helmets, however the veteran receiver is getting open and catching nearly all the things. Zac Robinson’s offense being extra just like the system Godwin thrived in beneath Coen two years in the past might imply a big rebound. The Bucs definitely hope that would be the case.
May This Be Chris Godwin Jr.’s “Last Dance” With The Bucs?
It’s onerous to think about the Bucs seeing Mike Evans stroll away one offseason after which deciding to half methods with Chris Godwin Jr. the very subsequent. But it’s not an impossibility. There’s a possible out for Tampa Bay in Godwin’s contract, and if he doesn’t play at a stage {that a} $33 million receiver ought to in 2026, would possibly the group make a tricky name on the choice within the veteran’s deal?
Regardless of that season-ending harm Godwin suffered in October 2024, the Bucs determined to signal him to a three-year, $66 million contract that offseason. It was a present of religion by Tampa Bay, but it was additionally a serious show of loyalty from Godwin as he handed up greater cash elsewhere — together with New England — to stay with the group that drafted him.
Bucs WR Chris Godwin – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
His cap hit in 2025 was simply shy of $13 million. However it jumps north of $33 million in 2026 with a $22 million base wage. The potential out forward of 2027 that the Bucs might decide to take presents a difficult resolution.
Does group management really feel like a 31-year-old Godwin might be well worth the $1.5 million roster bonus he’ll be due and a $29.933 million cap hit with a $20.5 million base wage for 2027? Or wouldn’t it be value $16.231 million in useless cap house – albeit with a financial savings of near $4 million – to chop ties with one of many longest-tenured gamers on the group?
After all, that’ll closely rely upon Godwin’s efficiency at age 30 in 2026. However it additionally might rely upon the development and growth of the group’s youthful receivers and maybe even how contract talks with Baker Mayfield go.
Once more, it’s onerous to fathom the thought of 2026 being the final dance for Chris Godwin Jr. in Tampa Bay, particularly after 2025 served as precisely that for Mike Evans. However it might play out that approach.
Catch Up On Earlier Installments Of Bailey Adams’ 26 For ’26 Sequence
Baker MayfieldBucky IrvingKenny Gainwell
