Chris Godwin Talks Health, Contract Issues, Mike Evans
July 29th, 2026
The senior member of the Buccaneers roster was speaking today after Day 1 of training camp practice.
Veteran receiver Chris Godwin, a future Buccaneers Ring of Honor member, was a third-round draft pick in 2017. He’s still around and, damn, he sure looked smooth in practice today.
Godwin didn’t go overboard talking about personal expectations, but he says he feels strong.
“I’m encouraged by the way my body’s felt, by the ability to have like a full offseason of training,” he said.
As for Vita Vea asking for a trade out of town, Godwin didn’t flinch when asked about it. He didn’t deny it’s a real thing, and he said it won’t distract players.
“We talk in the locker room. Guys aren’t oblivious as to what’s going on,” Godwin said.
As for Baker Mayfield, Godwin said he may never have met a player more wired to block out a contract dispute than Mayfield, who is seeking an extension. His contract ends after this season.
And then there’s the elephant no longer in the room: legendary Bucs receiver Mike Evans, who now plays for the 49ers.
Godwin feels the absence.
“It’s definitely strange. I think the combination of like being in training camp and [Mike] not being here, and seeing him in like a different shade of red is bizarre,” Godwin said. ” (laughs) But I guess it’s a business. Right? I talked to Mike a couple of weeks ago and he’s happy. And that’s my guy. If he’s happy, I’m happy.”
Godwin added that there is no leadership change as it relates to him stepping up to fill a void left by Evans. “I just continue to be me,” he said.
Ira Kaufman Talks Vita Vea Fantasies & Realities, 1-on-1 Chat With Baker Mayfield, Day 1 Camp Observations, And Much More
July 29th, 2026 at 3:28 pm
Class act.
July 29th, 2026 at 3:32 pm
Are we gonna keep talking about the ship jumper well into the 2035 season?
It’s over! He’s moved on! Buh-bye!
Now we should, too. He’s dead to me, now for the love of God, please stop bringing him up.
July 29th, 2026 at 3:34 pm
good stuff, nice to heat what about McMillan and Egbuka?
July 29th, 2026 at 3:42 pm
Our REAL WR room leader…. Can’t wait to see Chris rack up 1st downs and yards this season.
July 29th, 2026 at 3:42 pm
All Pro
July 29th, 2026 at 3:56 pm
I’d bet a substantial amount of spare change- Mike Evans gets 1000 yards this year and Chris Godwin gets more yards than Mike does.
July 29th, 2026 at 4:13 pm
Bucco, Evans left the Bucs under mysterious circumstances. Until we find out it’s a story. 2-3 years someone will still bring it up, Endure!
July 29th, 2026 at 4:24 pm
Evans probably doesn’t waste time thinking about the Bucs players he left behind, these guys need to get a clue that they should not waste their time either.
July 29th, 2026 at 4:32 pm
I hope Chris really can stay strong this year so that Kenton’s prediction can come true.
WE SURE NEED IT!
July 29th, 2026 at 4:47 pm
They’re gonna have to load the box against the Bucs leaving Eggy and Chris to man coverage ,then all of a sudden its Gainwell in the flat !Mayfield gonna sling it..Pray for Healthiness for that great Oline@
July 29th, 2026 at 5:06 pm
Baker wants a new contract…but will prove it on the field and not let his teammates down…Vita wants a new contract and demands a trade and is “watching ” his teammates bust their humps in the heat to win a championship! They are not the same , and another reason Baker is a Godsend after Brady and deserves his money and the accolades that come with being a Pro
July 29th, 2026 at 5:49 pm
Sure hope Chris can return to form. A healthy Chris Godwin tearing up defenses will open the offense up completely.
July 29th, 2026 at 6:10 pm
CG14 is great WHEN he can stay healthy. Dude has had 2 serious injuries. VV can get lost and I hope we keep BM around. There are no other good alternatives, i hope management sees that and makes the right decision. GO BUCS!!!!!!
July 29th, 2026 at 6:13 pm
J-mac is going to open some eyes this year. Wouldn’t surprise me @ all if he gets 1k.
Same with EE and Chris. Hoping Zac returns to plenty of quick release short and intermediate routes to get the ball out fast and spreads it around early.
July 29th, 2026 at 6:13 pm
Sad Evans is gone as he was an awesome player and was amazing with my son in person and I’ll never forget that. He’ll always be a Buc fan favorite and hope to see him in our Ring of Honor and Hall of Fame one day.
But it is a business because unfortunately players age, injuries then become more of an issue as it was with Evans the last 2 seasons so younger players must be drafted to replace them. And to prepare for that, the Bucs have drafted a quality WR in each of the last 3 drafts as they should be doing.
To me this isn’t personal, it’s what teams have to do to stay relevant. Time will tell if we properly replaced him. But Father Time gets 100% of all athletes at some point. So providing they got the timing right and drafted well, did the Bucs really have a choice?