The Return Of The Real Chris Godwin
September 11th, 2026
“Hyped” for start of season.
Since Baker Mayfield signed with the Bucs in 2023, Chris Godwin has sort of had an up-and-down stretch.
Once former Bucs offensive coordinator Dave Canales finally got the hang of how to use Godwin — with a very public nudge — Godwin finished the 2023 season strong.
Then in 2024, Godwin was off to arguably the best season of his career, which came to a screeching halt when Godwin’s ankle was destroyed against the Crows late in a two-score loss. He was done for that season, and he was largely hobbled as a result in 2025.
This summer, the best word Joe can think of to describe how sharp Godwin has looked in training camp was “smooth.”
Mayfield took that a step further. He has said the way Godwin has shined has been Godwin’s best version, at least the best Mayfield has seen since he arrived in Tampa Bay.
Godwin said yesterday he sure hopes so because for the first time in years, he feels great for Week 1.
“I really like to think that every year that I go into it, I get a little bit better,” Godwin said. “I think that at the end of the day, like when the season’s over, we’ll see if it was the best version.
“I’m excited about where I’m at. I’ve been moving around [well]. I’m excited to be healthy, which is the biggest thing. [I’m] just hyped to get out there and go play with the guys, have some fun.”
For being the old man of the team — the longest-tenured Bucs player who Jalen McMillan playfully calls “Unc” — it’s significant that the start of this season may be Godwin at his best. He arguably was the best receiver in the NFL for the first seven games of the 2024 season. He also was a huge reason the Bucs won a Super Bowl in 2020.
If 2026 really is Godwin’s pinnacle, it is hard to believe the Bucs offense won’t be top-shelf.
September 11th, 2026 at 8:44 am
I think we all want to see Chris have his best year!!. I think he should have been put on the Bucs bilboard. He is the ultimate Buc, no doubt. He has worked so hard and his injuries were really hard to come back from. Hats off to Chris and a hall of fame year!!!.
September 11th, 2026 at 8:45 am
He’s now the leader in the group. For the first time, he’ll get a lot of attention from the QB…not splitting with Mike Evans.
I have a feeling some other guys will be nipping at his heels though. By next year he may become expendable…and trade bait.
Under contract until 2028.
September 11th, 2026 at 8:47 am
football 1 Says
#I think he should have been put on the Bucs bilboard.”
He still might end up there.
September 11th, 2026 at 8:53 am
Where can I get that hat Godwin is wearing? I don’t see it on the buccaneers shop. Anyone know?
September 11th, 2026 at 9:06 am
Oh when he’s almost already ready to retire?
September 11th, 2026 at 9:14 am
Joes, where’s the podcast of you all & Ira with the seasons predictions???
Please drop it 🙂
September 11th, 2026 at 9:37 am
He is the man! Has been the consummate pro in hi time here. I hope the young guns can draw some of the defenders their way and visa versa. If so we could have a very explosive offense. Hope Zac is up to the challenge of getting the ball in all the playmakers hands.
Truth is that nobody knows what we got. Including this fan. We got no dudes who played enough in the preseason to even get a glimpse of what to expect. That concerns me. A few practices that were more like the real thing than the preseason games is all our team has had that is close to live fire. Hope we are ready!
Go Bucs!
September 11th, 2026 at 9:38 am
Weebs10 Says:
September 11th, 2026 at 8:53 am
Where can I get that hat Godwin is wearing? I don’t see it on the buccaneers shop. Anyone know?
__________________
I think I’ve seen something like it in Facebook ads from non-NFL affiliated vendors. Doubtful that’s where he got it from (wearing only officially licensed gear being a requirement for players), but you can probably find a similar version somewhere.
September 11th, 2026 at 9:42 am
Maybe toilet bowls will have him drop into coverage
September 11th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Nevermind. You agreed with me later in the article. My bad.
September 11th, 2026 at 10:01 am
Are we starting Hurst if Jmac can’t play? Someone needs to play the X. It’s not suited for Buka or Tez. I Would love to see the rookie shine early.
September 11th, 2026 at 10:07 am
Yo Joe
Not to be negative or in the past
BUT MIKE EVANS LOOKED AWESOME LAST NIGHT
3RD DOWN SAFETY NET, REDZONE THREAT
MIKE EVANS LOOKED AWESOME
THANKS BAKER THANKS JASON LIGHT FOR RUNNING MIKE OUTTA TAMPA
September 11th, 2026 at 10:24 am
Jarrett, he sure did look good. But 49 yards is a little light for 6 receptions and short of the pace needed to reach 1000.
Great to see the Rams fall flat.
September 11th, 2026 at 10:45 am
Maybe Mike was giving up the #1 spotlight so Chris Godwin has turn to shine (even brighter). 🤷🏼♂️
September 11th, 2026 at 10:53 am
Mike was ready to play. He now has a real QB capable of going on a deep playoff run.
That’s why he left Tampa. He wants another ring. Not just a fat wallet.
Baker just wanted the bag. Without any credibility to deserve such a contract.
Another bumbling move by Licht that hopefully costs him his job.
2-15
September 11th, 2026 at 10:56 am
my hope for this year for Chris is the best season ever. no doubt he has worked hard to be 100+ %. signing him when things were iffy was a good move by the club.
September 11th, 2026 at 10:57 am
This is Godwin last guaranteed contract year. At 30 years old and with 3 other good WRs on the team, I don’t Godwin sticking around next year, unless he totally balls out.
September 11th, 2026 at 11:26 am
When your beliefs outweighs your doubts than the sky will have no limitations. Godwin is instilling that mentality in the younger players…that seeing is believing. The veteran leadership is there to make the Bucs a Super Bowl contenders. Stay healthy and reach for the 🌟 stars everyone.
September 11th, 2026 at 11:33 am
Another guy who’s presence we miss dearly when he’s unavailable. My only issue with Godwin, is that how he’s used is how we should’ve been using Egbuka.
Between the hashes, running routes that usually have him cross the QBs face but also sets him up for good YAC/chain moving opportunities. We’ll see how Robinson uses him, because we know we have the ingredients to be good, but the meal isn’t even close to being cooked yet.
September 11th, 2026 at 12:22 pm
CG is a great receiver but don’t forget he’s one of the blocking WRs in the league. Bucky and Gainwell will benefit with some long runs.
September 11th, 2026 at 2:26 pm
CG is going to ball out this year. 90+ receptions over 1100 yards and 10 TDs