BSPN: Does Jason Licht Have Buyer’s Remorse After Re-Signing Chris Godwin?
October 24th, 2025
Second thoughts?
You may have heard the Bucs have a few injuries, especially to their receivers.
And while some roasted Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht over an open spit for drafting receiver Emeka Egbuka in the first round, going so far as to refer to Licht as “Millen,” Egbuka has been a godsend for the Bucs. This team would have been screwed without him.
He’s now the Bucs’ No. 1 receiver. But follicly-challenged Billy Barnwell of BSPN thinks the heckling of Licht is just misdirected.
Instead of banging on Licht for drafting Egbuka, Billy wonders if it was wise of Licht to re-sign Chris Godwin, coming off his ankle being rebuilt.
In fact, Billy wonders if Licht is having buyer’s remorse.
GM Jason Licht didn’t make too many false steps this offseason, but I wonder whether the Bucs would still want to bring Godwin back on this contract after a rough start to 2025. Godwin was always likely to miss time at the beginning of the season after dislocating his ankle in 2024, but he was out for the first three games, mustered 26 receiving yards in consecutive contests and has then been sidelined again for two straight because of pain in his fibula. Godwin is going to miss this week’s game against the Saints and has no timeframe for a return.
Joe knows reputable people have reported the Bucs have no clause in Godwin’s contract to cover the team in case Godwin is done. “This Joe” finds that hard to swallow.
Licht is a bright guy. He didn’t just fall off the NFL turnip truck. Joe finds it difficult to believe that the Bucs don’t have some sort of cushion built into Godwin’s deal in case he can’t pass a physical.
In the meantime, Joe figures the Bucs might be looking at bringing in another receiver next spring in the draft, not necessarily in the first round, but perhaps Day 2.
October 24th, 2025 at 5:18 am
Outside of football, I believe the Bucs are a first class organization/Business!
This is how we are able to convince all pros to take pay cuts and stay with us. This is the downside of what that loyalty looks like. Sadly, we will experience this with most of our vets in the near future. I.e. (L.David, M. Evans) unless we make moves of the past i.e.(Warren Sapp, John Lynch) cutting ties early, this storyline may be appropriate for a few players coming up!
October 24th, 2025 at 5:21 am
If anyone deserved a contract based on past performances it’s Godwin. How he bounced back from a previous injury is a testament to his work ethic. The Bucs gambled on him coming back and can probably use that tactic in a positive light when dealing with resigning their own and signing free agents.
October 24th, 2025 at 5:52 am
Godwin was re-signed based on his previous work & being a Team First guy and frankly i can have no complaints that Licht made that decision. There was also no guarantee we could have drafted Egbuka. Fingers crossed Chris can still come back and contribute this season but the reality is we may not see the old Chris until next season if at all.
October 24th, 2025 at 6:42 am
He should!
Sadly he bought
Old and damaged goods
No reflection on the man Chris Godwin , But ….
October 24th, 2025 at 6:49 am
I have no time machine to go back into the past and see what people were saying the first year Godwin came back after his initial injury, but I have a funny feeling they expressed many of the same feelings people are expressing now. Give it some time, people, before you declare Godwin a bust.
October 24th, 2025 at 7:04 am
Godwin was being rewarded for not only his loyalty, but life altering injuries he has sustained while playing for the Bucs. Even though the business decision was a little shaky, future players will look at this situation and want to play here. Treating everyone like family is a good way to run an organization.
October 24th, 2025 at 7:13 am
You do not F’ING pay based on past performance. This sentiment is making me legitimately angry. He has already been well compensated. The first, second and third priority is ensuring the team is in optimum position to be successful, and most importantly building success that is REPEATABLE. This cornball romanticism with players, paying people just because they’re a swell guy and as a “thank you” as if somehow those optics would cause the locker room to sing kumbaya, and make players more loyal to the team is breathtakingly stupid. Jason Licht is a top 5 gm. Hell, top 3. But if it’s true that the Bucs have no safety net in case Godwin is toast – then yes, that is a tough pill to swallow. And you better believe they paid Godwin with the expectation that they’re getting Chris Godwin. Huge production, a real threat. Not a body
October 24th, 2025 at 7:26 am
Of course you pay on past performance.
October 24th, 2025 at 7:32 am
This is funny if Licht let him leave you same folks would of been whining
October 24th, 2025 at 7:43 am
It was a sentimental decision not a business decision. Having v said that Baker will make completions to the ball boy. Scour the practice squads or CFL for receivers. You can sign players after the grey cup.
October 24th, 2025 at 7:52 am
Godwin will be back after bye week and will make big contributions before the season ends.
October 24th, 2025 at 8:08 am
Godwin was tearing it up before he went down last year. He was on pace for 120 catches, 1400yds and 12TDs before the injury. Hopefully we can get him back for the last 6 or so games.
October 24th, 2025 at 8:10 am
No, you take care of your own. And when you do people right, it has long-term positive effects. Build the culture and it will pay you dividends.
Booger was not better than Sapp.
Lynch should have been moved to free safety (tho he refused here to compete).
Rice was jettisoned 1-2 years too soon.
Rudd was not better than Quarles!
All of those moves did not help but set the team back. Can’t hold on forever but Godwin does so much more for the offense that does not show up on a stat sheet.
October 24th, 2025 at 8:20 am
Nah they’re off base yet again. CG is a good dude who is helping Emeka learn the ropes, and when he’s healthy, he’s gonna still be a good upgrade over whatever else we are throwing out there.
October 24th, 2025 at 8:33 am
@ Dre
“This is the downside of what that loyalty looks like. Sadly, we will experience this with most of our vets in the near future. I.e. (L.David, M. Evans) unless we make moves of the past i.e.(Warren Sapp, John Lynch) cutting ties early, this storyline may be appropriate for a few players coming up!”
I agree 100%.
This is absolutely the downside of “loyalty”.
Let’s hope Godwin can recover and not waste anymore of our salary cap space.
October 24th, 2025 at 8:34 am
It was an emotional decision…other teams pursuing him hard ( Pats & Jags allegedly ) and of course free agency is before the draft. Licht & Co. likely knew how Godwin was coming along ( or not coming along ) when he jumped on EE. Thankfully he did, drug store GMs like myself wanted Jahaad Campbell or another defensive playmaker.
Godwin is nowhere near coming back full time. One has to wonder if he rushed back seeing how well EE was doing.
October 24th, 2025 at 8:46 am
Bucs probably have to compromise somewhere when getting these team friendly deals but When a star player gets injured in a meaningless game I put that in the coach.
October 24th, 2025 at 9:10 am
Keeping “The Band together “
Comes at a high price
October 24th, 2025 at 9:17 am
On paper it was the right thing to do,
No way of knowing that the roster would be ravaged by injuries
October 24th, 2025 at 9:18 am
Godwin is washed.
October 24th, 2025 at 9:36 am
they shouldnt have any remorse. at all.
October 24th, 2025 at 9:37 am
Godwin has been my favorite player since the of his rookie year. Intend to gravitate toward over achievers which he is. ( I am a huge fan of Evans and Egbuka too, but those guys are naturals). Judging from the posts, it sounds like the majority has little hope of him getting back to form. I think that the mystery surrounding his injury has a lot to do with the sentiment. But for some reason he has not been placed on IR, so let’s just wait and see what happens after the bye.
October 24th, 2025 at 10:10 am
surprised no one is blaming bowles for this lol
GO BUCS!!!!!
October 24th, 2025 at 10:11 am
You can never have too many good players at a position in the NFL and Emeka and Tez have both proven that already this year, but the Bucs need to overhaul the linebackers the way they did the corner position in this last draft. This is supposed to be a good draft for both inside and outside linebackers. I would not be opposed to the Bucs using their first four picks in the draft next year on all linebackers.
October 24th, 2025 at 10:12 am
Gofortheface30, that’s quite a handle you use. Go for the face, huh? As in grabbing a facemask or popping someone face first? I was afraid, and I’ve posted it several times, that CG14 would retire from football after his 2nd season-ending injury. It was deliberately and illegally done to him by the ‘almighty’ Ravens. He wanted to play again here in Tampa. He doesn’t need the money. He, Mariah and Ace are set for life. Licht knows all that and more. He made the offer and CG14 took it. It’s called classy and rewarding a very good player. That’s one reason why Licht is the best GM Tampa Bay has ever had.
October 24th, 2025 at 10:35 am
I think it’s a little early to think this. Anybody being realistic knew this year, especially early on he wasn’t going to be anywhere near a 100%. It was the case with his ACL last time and we all knew this was a longer more difficult rehab. I’m hoping that Chris starts looking more like himself by the end of the season and goes into the offseason heathy. Having CHJ back doing his thing in ‘26 & ‘27 will be well worth it.
October 24th, 2025 at 10:37 am
Kinda like the disclaimer on mutual funds: “Past performance is no guarantee of future results….”
October 24th, 2025 at 10:47 am
Interesting comments. Licht has chosen to focus on character when he drafts or signs a player. Thats a philosophy that lives at the strategic level. You can’t have a team filled with character guys and then turn around and be ruthless the first time or second time they get hurt. That philosophy starts at the top and goes top down.
October 24th, 2025 at 11:15 am
TBBucFan Says
“If anyone deserved a contract based on past performances it’s Godwin.”
I don’t know why fans feel this way. Chris Godwin has only had 4 great seasons in a 9 year career. Two of those were by the skin of his teeth. Yes, he’s good, but not great. He certainly won’t evmaking the Hall of Fame.
Even if he were healthy, he would not inherit the #1 spot…he isn’t good enough.
Jason Licht doesn’t make a lot of mistakes these days, but giving Godwin so much money was a big one. Of course, he didn’t know at the time that he would get EE.
I like Godwin (mostly), but he is not an essential cog, and never was. We have outstanding dpth, and Otton as proven he can perform as TE.
October 24th, 2025 at 11:24 am
Getting Emeks Egbuka was critical for this team, lets stop counting on Godwin for anything. Hope we focus on Tez as well, reminds me of Devante Smith on the Eagles.
October 24th, 2025 at 11:38 am
Godwin has been injury prone the last few years as is Evans. They can no longer be counted on. Age gets us all eventually and sadly their days are numbered. Jason is sorry now I bet, but he has a good crop of young receivers. Think Jason is probably more sorry for the mess he has made to the defense.
October 24th, 2025 at 11:57 am
TBBucFan Says:
October 24th, 2025 at 5:21 > Steven #55 Says:
October 24th, 2025 at 5:52 > Bucnjim Says:
October 24th, 2025 at 7:04 > FL born n grown Says:
October 24th, 2025 at 8:10 > jimmy Says:
October 24th, 2025 at 9:36 > orlbucfan Says:
October 24th, 2025 at 10:12 am
I stand in agreement with these Bucs fans. Jason did the right for many reasons. CG14’s horrible injury should never have happened. It was negligence on Bowles part. Jason and the Glazers (if they haven’t) should make it clear policy that stupid, reckless, gambling with our players health is not tolerated. Play till the last second and never give up is great but Todd has gotten others hurt as well by being stupid. He has improved as a head coach and deserves compliments and rewards but he is lacking in certain fundamental areas.
October 24th, 2025 at 12:09 pm
Yup…coulda used that money to sign Devin. Licht gets way too emotional about this.
October 24th, 2025 at 12:09 pm
If he comes back and contributes to a deep run and/or does well the next two years everyone will forget this discussion. Obviously if it’s anything other than that it’s gonna be rightly scrutinized. It’s too early
October 24th, 2025 at 12:13 pm
I would say that if we didn’t resign Godwin we wouldn’t have Egbuka right now. No other team thought Tampa was going to take a receiver and in fact two teams were trying to trade up with the Bucs to take Egbuka. With no Godwin they would have traded ahead of us to take him. May honestly be a blessing in disguise. I personally believe Godwin came back too early.
October 24th, 2025 at 12:33 pm
For resigning Bowles, yes he has. Make this right, FIRE BOWLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 24th, 2025 at 12:37 pm
That was the Bucs treating Godwin right for all he has done even after the injury. Was it the right move? Probably not now that we got on more WRs but his contract was deserved. It does hamper the team somewhat now though
October 24th, 2025 at 12:57 pm
How could he not? Ask yourself this question, and you’ll find the answer. Would you still have signed him knowing what you know now? I sure hope he returns to form this year, but that’s wishful thinking at this point. He looked slow and unable to cut when he came back. Probably cane back too early, which always leads to another injury. But I don’t count out a guy like Godwin out, ever. Unfortunately, I just can’t bank on it ’25.
October 24th, 2025 at 1:07 pm
Can’t see WR being an early draft target next year.
Maybe Godwin came back a bit early but how do you ever know what will happen? He could have stayed out until after the bye and got injured first game back.
Egbuka – Godwin – JMac – Tez and with any luck, one more from Mike. That’s a good room. If that is the room by next April… safe to say OLB/DT/LB/OL/RB are the positions needed for our first 4 rounds.
October 24th, 2025 at 1:14 pm
The NBC article from last week, said that they didn’t. $44-MIL Fully Guaranteed. And, THAT is just totally unbelievable. It’s unacceptable. As soon as Godwin received the NE offer, is where Lickt HAD TO have an honest conversation with him, and tell him that he needs to take advantage of such an offer, just as a FRIEND… That, we just can’t do it. I was FOR ‘re-signing’ Chris (I felt it was the best we could do versus just cutting-him outright), but only on a ‘prove-it’ deal for just one-season. Maybe, $10-MIL guaranteed, then $500K per game played, plus incentives that could possibly bring-it to $25-$30MIL, was a whole lot more what I was thinking!!!! But, that had to be the VERY BEST we could do… Cause, that NE offer (if real) was just absurd. I knew they were desperate, but STILL. Bottom-line being, JL just COULD NOT agree to do that… And, HE till did ANYWAY. It’s really inexcusable. Also, I felt that the Reddick deal was a desperate shot in the dark, and a huge waste of money. But, the drafting of EE should’ve told you ALL you needed to know, in the first place. HE KNEW IT. But, STILL Gave Chris That $$$$. Inexcusable.
October 24th, 2025 at 1:17 pm
It was the *least* we could do versus just outright cutting him… NOT “the best” we can do. Just to throw him a bone and showing our appreciation for what he has given us. BUT, nowhere near what NE was ‘supposedly” willing to do.
October 24th, 2025 at 1:25 pm
Saskbucs Says: “Can’t see WR being an early draft target next year.”
Yeah, neither can I. Not a 1st-Rounder. Unless, it’s an EE type of deal, and you can get the #1-WR in the draft again, in that 19-26 range. I’d rather wait until the 2027-class anyway… I believe that class will be LOADED. Jeremiah Smith will be outta the equation I’m sure, but we might be able to make a move up for Cam Coleman!? Though, he’ll most surely be outta the equation, too. But, I’d LOVE to have him. There will be another half-dozen others, who will be damn strong.
October 24th, 2025 at 1:55 pm
JL should’ve been so pleased with that (supposed) New England offer. I mean, it should’ve made-it an easy decision (on all sides), and made-it A LOT ‘easier’ on HIMSELF. That way, HE didn’t have to let Chris down too harshly, AND Chris was still able to get his money. That was the ‘main thing’ I hated most about that hit… Was how BAD it was gonna screw CHRIS on not being able to ‘CASH-IN’ BIG for one last time, on what was probably going to be his last BIG-TIME ‘multi-year’ contract at $30+MIL per season. And, JL just got his OUT. It was a total no-brainer. You just had to tell him to go get HIS $$$$.
October 24th, 2025 at 1:56 pm
The money always worried me, even more before the reported discount that he gave to Tampa.
But, 6-2 it is too soon to know the value.
I was ruing Winfield’s payday last year. But, that pass he broke up at the left sideline inside the 5? yard line has me smiling again.
October 24th, 2025 at 2:10 pm
A big massive DT/NT, WR, then QB for our backup and learner behind Baker….need some fresh young legs in there and learning.
October 24th, 2025 at 2:13 pm
And I think Godwin came back too soon….I say save him another few games and then try, or wait until the playoffs if we can get there. By next year, he’ll be beasting again hopefully. Then get Evans back on the field if he’s willing.
October 24th, 2025 at 2:43 pm
Imagine what a good GM could with Godwin and Reddick’s salary…
Sadly we will never know
Licht is a good GM but the “Bring the gang back mentality” stops him from being great. He did it after the Super Bowl and attempted to do it again this off season
Teams need to be infused with new players every so often, players age, opponents adjust, schemes get modified (well not Todd’s) can’t do the same thing every year and expect different results
Godwin was not a good signing, didn’t like it in March and don’t like it now
October 24th, 2025 at 3:05 pm
The head coach is the head coach but the front office is the boss.
The head coach made a really bad mistake that cost CG14 a terrible and painful lifelong injury. Jason and the Glazers did the right thing.
Their character shows in the new contract for Chris. I believe the decision was made for the right reasons but can you imagine the public blowback if they had cut him loose ? Something in me says all parties knew that this was basically a career ending injury and Chris deserved to retire with dignity and on his own terms. He means that much to the team and to the fans.
October 24th, 2025 at 3:48 pm
Roscoe, the NFL is not a charity. Godwin was paid handsomely throughout his career. Bucs had no business resigning him with all the holes on D. Teams routinely draft and find receivers who are productively immediately. Overpaying two WR’s hurts your team in other areas.
Licht is like that girlfriend who still longs for her first love when she is with someone else, he can never let go and it hurts what he has infront of him
October 24th, 2025 at 3:52 pm
Guys, he’s been eligible to play in 7 games so far coming off of a very ugly injury. Can we have a modicum of patience, perhaps? I know that’s not en vogue in our modern society, but patience is a virtue. Let’s let it play out and then we can judge it in hindsight. R-E-L-A-X.
October 24th, 2025 at 4:05 pm
Smarter than Joe Says:
October 24th, 2025 at 3:48 pm
^^^^
You may think you are smarter than Joe but I seriously doubt it. If you really believe what you are posting you are clueless and ignorant. I think you are trolling.
October 24th, 2025 at 4:13 pm
It was a no brainer not to sign him. Almost 30 and two major injuries. Duh.. not 20 plus mil.
October 24th, 2025 at 4:14 pm
Smarter than Joe Says:
October 24th, 2025 at 3:48 pm
Licht is like that girlfriend who still longs for her first love when she is with someone else, he can never let go and it hurts what he has infront of him
^^^^
Carefully reread your statement. Does Smarter have a broken heart?
Poor baby.
October 24th, 2025 at 4:29 pm
Based on Godwin’s injury, I personally thought he wouldn’t be back until the 2nd half the season, and even then would need a few games to get up to speed. I still think the same thing now.
As for his contract, the Bucs resigning him actually dropped his cap hit this year, so people crying about how he ‘hurt the team’ this year are you typical low IQ dullards that don’t know the basics. The void year cap hit was something like $18M, and resigning him saved $5M on this years cap.
Godwin is coming back, will contribute before the year is done. If he was done, or they thought this was long term, he’d be on the IR, and they’ve done moved him to that.
October 24th, 2025 at 4:34 pm
My hopes are that Chris is able to finish his contract for his benefit as well as the team. The Bucs made it right for him either way.
October 24th, 2025 at 6:28 pm
He has major injury every other year 😏
October 24th, 2025 at 6:37 pm
This guy is so overrated. Buyer’s remorse on way more than just Godwin.
October 24th, 2025 at 8:16 pm
Give Chris some time that was a bad injury an he is still recovering I trust Chris to the fullest
October 24th, 2025 at 8:36 pm
Chris will always be a Buc legend but as of right now it looks like a lousy deal from the team standpoint.
October 24th, 2025 at 9:35 pm
When he is scoring touchdowns at end of season into playoffs, mooks on this site will be saying how great it was to lock him up etc etc. Fickle fans at their best
October 25th, 2025 at 2:25 am
I DON’T UNDERSTAND GODWIN FANS
If you say Godwin should have been paid … NE was going to pay him more $$$$
We’re saddled to a guy that is eating up $22M a year this year and next.
He would have made more money with NE and he’s eating the Bucs cap.
This is a lose-lose.
October 25th, 2025 at 6:23 am
Hey, Joe, “I am that man” goes both ways. I always sort of expected Godwin would come back too early, whether due to his own determination OR pressure from the team. We have the deepest WR room in the league, let’s lean on it. Establish the run (especially on the left side, behind Wirfs), keep Baker safe, and then let him cut loose with the young receivers.
October 25th, 2025 at 1:04 pm
some of ya’ll are just pathetic Chris could have made more money in N.E but he chose the Bucs an they chose to pay him ya’ll have no since of loyalty or family an how other players thinking about coming to Tampa views that when making a decision to come play for the Bucs … give Chris a chance he deserves it