Why Chris Godwin chose Tampa Bay over bigger offers?
Alona Yadav | Mar 12, 2025, 16:50 IST
( Image credit : Agencies )
Chris Godwin chose to stay with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers despite receiving a significantly higher offer from the New England Patriots. His decision was influenced by his desire for stability, team culture, and quality of life over financial gain, showcasing his commitment to factors beyond money.
In an NFL landscape where free agency often means chasing the biggest payday, Chris Godwin's decision to stay with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers serves as a refreshing counterpoint. The star receiver became a free agent this week for the first time in his eight-year career, only to choose familiarity over fortune.
Godwin's new three-year, $66 million contract with Tampa Bay isn't small change. But as arguably the most coveted wide receiver on the market, he reportedly turned down a significantly larger offer from the New England Patriots that would have added $20 million more to his bank account.
"I think for me, really, it is trying to be true to myself," Godwin told USA TODAY Sports. "I've never been someone who has made decisions solely based off of money. I can't do that right now. It wouldn't feel right, it wouldn't sit well with me."
The decision wasn't easy. "While it was a very tough decision – these are life-changing numbers that we're talking about – at the end of the day I had to lean on my gut and my intuition to guide me," Godwin explained. "There's more to it than just the money."
The Buccaneers' offer included $44 million guaranteed, significant for a player coming off his second major injury in four years – a dislocated ankle. This guarantee reflected the team's confidence in Godwin's ability to return to pre-injury form.
When Bucs GM Jason Licht praised Godwin for his contributions to the team's culture, it wasn't empty rhetoric. Licht admitted to being nervous about potentially losing the receiver, even resisting the urge to repeatedly text him during negotiations.
For Godwin, stability proved paramount. He and his wife Mariah, parents to infant son Ace, have been together since they were high school juniors in Middletown, Delaware. "We've known each other longer than we have not," he said. "We were literally kids together. Now we are adults with a kid together. It's a beautiful thing."
Mariah supported his decision to prioritize factors beyond money. "She is very similarly-minded to me," Godwin said. "When she met me, I didn't have much of anything. Clearly, that's not the reason she was with me."
He added, "For us, it's better to be in a situation that we enjoy, to be around people and friends we enjoy. Our quality of life is paramount."
The quality of Godwin's work environment also factored heavily in his decision. The Buccaneers have claimed four consecutive NFC South titles and won Super Bowl 55 during Tom Brady's tenure. With Godwin and Mike Evans forming one of the NFL's most lethal receiving duos supporting quarterback Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay's offense remains formidable despite changing coordinators for the third straight year.
Godwin expressed deep appreciation for his teammates, coaches, athletic trainers overseeing his rehabilitation, and the support staff. "It's a full system. Everything about it, is what's good for me here," he said.
Despite his accomplishments, Godwin wasn't eagerly anticipating free agency. "It was just uncertain for me," he admitted. "And uncertainty, you know, can be a bit uneasy. I was just trying to take it in stride, hoping that I didn't have to make a decision to leave."
Mission accomplished – on his own terms.
Godwin's new three-year, $66 million contract with Tampa Bay isn't small change. But as arguably the most coveted wide receiver on the market, he reportedly turned down a significantly larger offer from the New England Patriots that would have added $20 million more to his bank account.
"I think for me, really, it is trying to be true to myself," Godwin told USA TODAY Sports. "I've never been someone who has made decisions solely based off of money. I can't do that right now. It wouldn't feel right, it wouldn't sit well with me."
The decision wasn't easy. "While it was a very tough decision – these are life-changing numbers that we're talking about – at the end of the day I had to lean on my gut and my intuition to guide me," Godwin explained. "There's more to it than just the money."
The Buccaneers' offer included $44 million guaranteed, significant for a player coming off his second major injury in four years – a dislocated ankle. This guarantee reflected the team's confidence in Godwin's ability to return to pre-injury form.
When Bucs GM Jason Licht praised Godwin for his contributions to the team's culture, it wasn't empty rhetoric. Licht admitted to being nervous about potentially losing the receiver, even resisting the urge to repeatedly text him during negotiations.
For Godwin, stability proved paramount. He and his wife Mariah, parents to infant son Ace, have been together since they were high school juniors in Middletown, Delaware. "We've known each other longer than we have not," he said. "We were literally kids together. Now we are adults with a kid together. It's a beautiful thing."
Mariah supported his decision to prioritize factors beyond money. "She is very similarly-minded to me," Godwin said. "When she met me, I didn't have much of anything. Clearly, that's not the reason she was with me."
He added, "For us, it's better to be in a situation that we enjoy, to be around people and friends we enjoy. Our quality of life is paramount."
The quality of Godwin's work environment also factored heavily in his decision. The Buccaneers have claimed four consecutive NFC South titles and won Super Bowl 55 during Tom Brady's tenure. With Godwin and Mike Evans forming one of the NFL's most lethal receiving duos supporting quarterback Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay's offense remains formidable despite changing coordinators for the third straight year.
Godwin expressed deep appreciation for his teammates, coaches, athletic trainers overseeing his rehabilitation, and the support staff. "It's a full system. Everything about it, is what's good for me here," he said.
Despite his accomplishments, Godwin wasn't eagerly anticipating free agency. "It was just uncertain for me," he admitted. "And uncertainty, you know, can be a bit uneasy. I was just trying to take it in stride, hoping that I didn't have to make a decision to leave."
Mission accomplished – on his own terms.