NFL SOUTH UPDATE: Bucs are Set to Swap $60 Million Wide Receiver plus Cash In a Blockbuster Trade

Chris Godwin, a $60 million wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, may be involved in a blockbuster trade this summer to aid one AFC East team. The Buccaneers feature one of the league’s most formidable wideout duos, which includes Mike Evans. In March, they extended Evans’ deal to two years and $52 million after he established an NFL record with at least 1,000 receiving yards. After playing under the franchise tag, Godwin got a three-year, $60 million contract in 2022.

According to a source, it’s a lot of money for a team wanting to improve its receiving depth. This most likely means that sacrificing someone like Godwin in a trade would alleviate the financial strain to spend the money to bring in depth. This would create options for the Buccaneers, who are coming off a strong season with franchise quarterback Baker Mayfield. The same source stated that the planned scenario would have Tampa Bay moving Godwin to the New England Patriots.

This makes sense for the Patriots’ new era following Bill Belichick’s departure. However, Drake Maye, the incoming rookie quarterback from North Carolina, does not appear to have a strong receiving corps. He’s set to be the next franchise quarterback for several years after struggling to find one since Tom Brady’s move to Tampa Bay. The wideout corps is made up of players who have never caught an NFL ball or did not have more than 50 catches last season.

They still need to give Maye a reliable option, so they may want to consider the source’s claim recommendation. Godwin would change the entire roster depth, but he still needs to prove his worth to the Patriots. Godwin would be WR1 and an immediate upgrade over Maye.

$60 million Wide Receiver Chris Godwin May Be Part of Blockbuster Trade
How He Could Fit With The Patriots

 

Given the Patriots’ current arsenal, Godwin would greatly simplify Maye’s first season. The New England receiving corps consists of Kendrick Bourne, Kayson Boutte, and JuJu Smith-Schuster, therefore there is just one huge name on the roster. Adding Godwin would form a deadly combo with Smith-Schuster, giving Maye something to look forward to. This is something Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe lacked, but one is already with the Jaguars, and the other may be available for trade.

Last season, Godwin had 83 receptions for 1,024 yards and two scores with the Buccaneers. He’s only 28 years old and has enough to offer any team in need of a receiver. Tampa Bay appears to be looking to move on from him, given how much money they are spending on their roster. This would increase their chances of getting two receivers for that amount of money.

Godwin made Brady’s move to Tampa Bay easier when he unexpectedly left the Patriots for them. They’ve completed 293 passes totaling 3,283 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Patriots should probably strive to make a major trade happen. If not, here are some alternative trade options that would make sense for Godwin.

Godwin Benefits from a Team Trade.

The Baltimore Ravens are fit now that Odell Beckham Jr. has left the team, forcing them to replace him with a vital player. They can’t rely on Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews for another year since it could lead to an increased workload and exhaustion. Rashod Bateman is returning, although he is coming off a terrible 2023 season and does not expect to enhance his performances. However, Rashee Rice’s position is spiralling out of control after he finds himself in further difficulty.

The Chiefs’ patience is wearing thin, and they may require a new WR1 to assist incoming draft selection Xavier Worthy establish himself. It would also assist players like Marquise Brown and Kadarius Toney gain touches at the correct time. One final fit would be with the Carolina Panthers, who have been active in the receiving market this offseason. They were successful in dealing for Diontae Johnson this summer, and they can do the same with Godwin.