Forget The Chris Godwin Prediction
October 15th, 2026
Unlikely to match expectation.
Barring something shocking and unforeseen happening in the next three months, Bucs fans could be looking at a sad ending from one of the most popular Bucs in recent memory.
Chris Godwin is in the second of a three-year contract in which the Bucs have an out after this season. The way things are going with the offense being mostly a trainwreck, focusing on tight ends and not receivers, with the Bucs leaning on the run with a rookie quarterback, Godwin could be a trade candidate with losses piling up.
And Godwin may want the Bucs to turn him loose during of after the season so he can chase a ring with a winner (San Francisco?) one last time.
Before the season, Seth Walder of BSPN, a man who never met a number he didn’t like, offered one prediction for each NFL team. For Tampa Bay, Walder predicted Godwin would get 1,000 receiving yards this season.
It seems that prediction isn’t going to happen.
Why we’re throwing it out: Godwin has a mere 179 receiving yards over his first five games. I figured that Emeka Egbuka might be limited by the toe injury that was affecting him in the preseason, thus giving a ton of early volume to Godwin. Even though Egbuka has also disappointed, it doesn’t seem like the injury is slowing him down or funneling passes to Godwin.
No, Godwin is healthy (so too is Emeka Egbuka); this offense is just a trainwreck. It certainly hasn’t helped that Baker Mayfield is hurt. The rotten ending to his 2025 season carried over into this season, and then he dislocated a thumb.
This is why Joe wouldn’t be stunned if Godwin is traded before the Nov. 10 trade deadline. He’s still a quality receiver.
The Bucs may want to start worrying about the future and Joe isn’t sure Godwin will still be in the league when the Bucs are next a Super Bowl contender.
#Sad
No, Joe is not advocating the Bucs unload Godwin. Just reading the tea leaves that are left in the cup of a losing season.
October 15th, 2026 at 9:13 am
And Egbuka has seriously regressed. My eyes tell me he’s still hampered by the toe injury. He looked wooden when he turned the corner and scored against the Cowboys. He was running flat footed on that play and it looked unnatural. We won’t see the real EE until that foot/toe issue is 100% behind him. Neither he nor Godwin can operate as true #1 right now. The closest thing we have to a true #1 is Hurst. It’s a matter of time before that becomes obvious to everyone.
October 15th, 2026 at 9:13 am
Not many on this roster will be here if/when the Bucs are serious contenders again
Godwin’s contract is just ANOTHER bad contract Licht has saddled this franchise with
October 15th, 2026 at 9:14 am
So much for predictions.
October 15th, 2026 at 9:14 am
You might be onto something. Last year he fell off the map when he lost his burst after pulling a hammy.
October 15th, 2026 at 9:15 am
The Bucs really miss Mike Evans. There is not a down the field receiver with Mike’s talents on the roster.
October 15th, 2026 at 9:23 am
I guess is all we can do is wonder why either receiver is not being targeted. Actually it appeared Godwin was receiving more balls from Daniels in the Dalllas game. Are they not getting open or just not being used? It is hard to believe neither receiver can get open. Actually Hurst has not been targeted much either come to think of it. Did he have a catch in the Dallas game?. Yes Otten appears over used and often drops the ball. The O Line until last game has been pretty bad.
I think both receivers are good they just need to have the ball thrown to them. We will see this next game if the offense is finally evolving.
October 15th, 2026 at 9:27 am
Godwin will end up in SF and will break the NFL receiving record next year.
If it wasn’t for Goedonkey holding he would have had a beautiful 85 yd TD against the Vikes.
That is what Godwin can still do given the proper circumstances and it AIN’T in Tampa.
October 15th, 2026 at 9:35 am
Maybe get an OC that knows something besides screen passes?
October 15th, 2026 at 9:35 am
Cap savings are far less this year via trade than simply letting him go next year. And what’s his value at this point? He can’t create separation, he’s a possession receiver with less than 20 receptions through 5 games. Who on earth is paying half of $21 million for that….plus another $20 million next year? If anything dump McMillan at this point, he can’t even stay on the field and probably fetches the same trade value with better cap savings.
IMO Godwin should have been dumped in order to keep Evans but Bowles does everything backwards so we see how that’s helped us.
October 15th, 2026 at 9:46 am
Surprise, surprise, WRs can’t thrive in a bottom 5 pass attack. The folly by prognosticators and fans alike, is talking about WR production or lack thereof without tying it directly to the play from the pocket. An area in which this team didn’t start well, hasn’t drastically improved, and is still trying to find its’ bearings.
-We rank 27th in pass yards, which is a metric commonly used to critique our own defense. Also near the bottom of the league in total passing yards
-Our TD:INT ratio is 4:5 and illustrates the difficulty we’ve had scoring points through 5 games. Which shows why we rank 27th averaging .8 Pass TDs per game.
-We rank 30th in yards per completion
-Ranking 9th in incompletions per game does not help.
You could have prime Randy Moss & T.O. on the same team, if the ball isn’t coming their way they cannot do what we know they can do on a consistent basis.
October 15th, 2026 at 9:50 am
That’s one of my questions or points. Godwin and Egbuka are 2 of the best WRs in the league, why aren’t they getting thrown to. I haven’t heard much discussion about that situation this season. Sometimes just not right in Tampa.
October 15th, 2026 at 9:53 am
Todd obviously had his reasons for hiring Zac Robinson. They are on course, per the vision.
Throwing for lots of yards looks pretty, but both coaches know it’s the other things that matter more.
October 15th, 2026 at 10:14 am
Godwin is a critical blocker in the run game.
And, if any team forgets that he is more than that, he will make them pay.
Keep him right where he is. His time will come.
October 15th, 2026 at 10:15 am
According to the charts I’ve seen, he’s getting like no separation. Windows fibthe decline is starting? I was adamant that Godwin would seperate himself as the WR1 this year with Evans gone. That doesn’t seem to be the case.
October 15th, 2026 at 10:18 am
todd hired zac to make opposing QBs uncomfortable, as in “i hope i never have plays called by zac robinson my career will be in the sh1tter quickly.”
October 15th, 2026 at 10:54 am
The Bucs lost Evans to the 49ers and now they could be losing Chris Godwin. While they are at it, how about retiring Todd Bowles as their HC. Get a decent draft pick in return for Godwin and hire an experienced HC.
The Bucs are not Super Bowl contenders. Jason Licht has more work to do to make the Bucs real contenders.
October 15th, 2026 at 11:01 am
It just tells me Zac is clueless and has no idea how to get the best out of his receivers. Using Chris for screens and running plays is one thing, but not scheming defenses to get the most out of Chris is just plain stupid. I can’t believe how stupid our OC is. Like watching Mike Shula as OC. Run Bucky run. lol.
Why do the Bucs make it so hard to be a fan of this franchise?
October 15th, 2026 at 11:02 am
It’s frustrating because he still has the ability and is not getting the opportunities.
October 15th, 2026 at 11:04 am
He got his bag.
October 15th, 2026 at 11:17 am
Zac Robinson must not have had any options. Why else hitch your wagon to hot seat Bowles?
October 15th, 2026 at 11:21 am
No, Joe is not advocating the Bucs unload Godwin. Just reading the tea leaves that are left in the cup of a losing season.
No. But, you should be. And, as many others who make sense. Then, rinse and repeat all over again, for next season. Have to make sure to accumulate as much Draft-Capital as humanly possible, and to put ourselves in the best possible position to lockdown SuperKamario Taylor (or Keelon Russell) in 2028.
October 15th, 2026 at 11:24 am
Don’t know if Licht has yet accepted the reality that this team is going nowhere and it’s time to do a little transfusion. Pump out the old blood, pump in the new blood. I never considered Godwin tradable because he’s a model for toughness and effort for the organization… but at this point you have to offer him an opportunity to win that he’s not going to get. Pretty sure Mike E. is happy with his decision and you gotta imagine Godwin is looking at that and it’s sparking some curiosity. The vets know the Bucs are a sinking ship.
October 15th, 2026 at 11:26 am
Can’t imagine what the trigger was for that. Those filters need some work.
October 15th, 2026 at 11:29 am
toopanca Says:
October 15th, 2026 at 10:14 am
Delusional.
It ain’t coming this year. And this team’s time isn’t coming in the next few years unless they hire the next Ben Johnson or Liam Coen next year as HC.
October 15th, 2026 at 11:33 am
Throw him the ball! Getting a sixth or seventh rounder for some cap space? Criminal. Trades for our guys will mostly just be saving some cap space. Nothing more. The only one I see bringing anything more without hurting the roster too much might be AWJ.
Go Bucs!
October 15th, 2026 at 11:34 am
Popcornmike67 Says:
October 15th, 2026 at 9:50 am
No, they’re not. Godwin WAS at one time. Egbuka’s time may come, but he’s apparently not there yet…. The larger question – why aren’t they getting thrown to? – is a good one. They’re not getting the ball because Zac Robinson just isn’t trying to get the ball downfield. The why of that is either a philosophical one or he doesn’t have confidence in his QB play right now.
October 15th, 2026 at 11:38 am
Godwin should be working strictly out of the slot position. He’s been incredible at picking up first downs for most of his career. Not sure why he hasn’t been open on the short to intermediate range passes. It’s not that he’s dropping balls he just isn’t getting the opportunities. Strange!
October 15th, 2026 at 11:43 am
Robinson was hired under the assumption Evans was returning. Evans can make any offense look capable because he’s that good of a player and opens up the underneath stuff for everyone else. Drake London was very similar….without the threat of a deep player that forces help over the top, none of these other guys are going to look threatening. Godwin, Ebuka, McMillan are all solid #2s but don’t get it twisted, they are not #1 WRs. Not even close all though Ebuka and Hurst could develop into that in the right system with the right OC.
October 15th, 2026 at 11:58 am
I have heard things like this on multiple fansites. I don’t think so. That would be tantamount to admitting a rebuild. Its not a good idea for the team to have the GM and coach check out because they are looking for new jobs in the middle of the season.
October 15th, 2026 at 12:03 pm
He’s being overused as a slot receiver. Yes, I know he’s fantastic and when he is on probably the best in the league. But he has all over the field ability and should be used that kind of variety.
October 15th, 2026 at 12:04 pm
Warren Brooks Lynch Says:
October 15th, 2026 at 9:46 am
“Surprise, surprise, WRs can’t thrive in a bottom 5 pass attack. The folly by prognosticators and fans alike, is talking about WR production or lack thereof without tying it directly to the play from the pocket. An area in which this team didn’t start well, hasn’t drastically improved, and is still trying to find its’ bearings.
-We rank 27th in pass yards, which is a metric commonly used to critique our own defense. Also near the bottom of the league in total passing yards”
WBL, you like statistics. Here’s some for you to peruse:
Passing defense ratings of our first four oponents:
Vikings #3; Packers #5; Browns #13 Bengals #17 The Cowboys are #21 which explains the Bucs ability to perform better.
October 15th, 2026 at 12:07 pm
As much as Bowles can make good D players look bad, Zac can make good Offensive players look bad. These coaches flat out suck. The rate they are going, might win more games if the captains call the plays.
October 15th, 2026 at 12:11 pm
Godwin is just a guy .Without Evans drawing extra attention our other WRs look like JAGS.
October 15th, 2026 at 12:20 pm
Godwin is not being used in the slot, he is flat out fast and strong and his talents are going to waste. Instead of taking three step drops Baker has to wait for a play to develop downfield while our offensive line is getting over run. Zac is a total moron. Honestly Gruden would be 100x better at OC than this clown. Zac is unable to find weaknesses and matchups in defenses. Instead its run Bucky run. This team has no chance to average 30 points as long as this guy is OC. Atlanta fans warned everyone about how bad Zac was. They were right.
October 15th, 2026 at 12:24 pm
They also are trying to get the ball out of Daniels hands fast an I’ve seen Godwin open several times JD just not seeing him an Jmac being hurt is surely hurting this offense
October 15th, 2026 at 12:25 pm
Chris to Kc.
October 15th, 2026 at 12:27 pm
Let’s just hope the Rays win today, and then everything else will seem right in the world. STILL just SICK over losing both Wander AND Shane within like a month of each other. THE BEST young pitcher AND BEST young position player, in the entire league. Hell, it’s been over 3-years now I guess, and Shane has still barely played, in the grand scheme of things. And, Wander… Good GOD. Just what are the odds!? How freaking STUPID. Obviously, I’m still not over it and don’t know that I ever will be. Was driving in my car listening on WDAE that afternoon when Springs went down, & I just KNEW-IT IMMEDIATELY… Cause, of course, it’s the RAYS LUCK. I felt-like, he had a legit shot at the Cy-Young that year… He was pitching better than ANYONE. Just SO DOMINANT. And, that staff… I mean, they went 6-7 guys DEEP with Baz and Taj Bradley. Crazy INSANE. It’s sooo sad cause NOT a ONE of em could stay healthy, including Glas and Ras. NOT A ONE. Go RAYS!!!!
October 15th, 2026 at 12:35 pm
And, I blame the Rays for not having a better handle on Wander. Just THINK if he was in this lineup, and we desperately needed Shane for a run, too!!!! But, that nucleus with Wander, Junior, Mesa Junior, & Simpson, ALL 25 and under, could have REALLY BEEN something… Especially, opening up a new stadium and everything. Wander & Junior would’ve been this generation’s Bench-Rose.
October 15th, 2026 at 12:39 pm
Annnddd, the next ‘up and coming’ superstar would be coming up right at the perfect time to add to it, for when the new stadium is set to open… Grady Emerson. It’s just SUCH a shame what could’ve and should’ve been. Ya seriously, can’t make it up.
October 15th, 2026 at 12:43 pm
Joe Says
It certainly hasn’t helped that Baker Mayfield is hurt.
—————————————————————————————–
Actually, it has helped that he’s out.In case you hadn’t noticed, we actually won a game. Something we didn’t do with Baker. In two games the rookie has won one less game than Baker has won in the last 13 games.
October 15th, 2026 at 12:46 pm
And Joe, we are going to start winning so CG isn’t going anywhere!!
October 15th, 2026 at 12:49 pm
“Passing defense ratings of our first four oponents:
Vikings #3; Packers #5; Browns #13 Bengals #17 The Cowboys are #21 which explains the Bucs ability to perform better.”
We turned the ball over 9 times against those defense and helped them on their way being ranked where they are, partly because our offense has helped those teams beat us.
Which, circles back to the point of the article being that Chris Godwin isn’t producing as expected and why we can’t expect it is because this offense is barely functioning at a level of competence or consistency to fully accentuate the talent on hand. Alot of that has to do with the play in and around the pocket, and all that other stuff doesn’t even matter.
People were arguing me down when I kept mentioning how important Mike was to this offense, and how he made the jobs of everyone around him easier including the QB. Did you know he’s got 22 receiving 1st downs this season which counts for about 90% of the passes he’s caught. By comparison our entire WR room has 26 receiving first downs as a unit? LOL stats are crazy
October 15th, 2026 at 12:57 pm
Without Mike Evans Bucs receivers are meh……..
October 15th, 2026 at 1:06 pm
BuccinBaker6, Says:
October 15th, 2026 at 12:24 pm
…Jmac being hurt is surely hurting this offense….
—————————————————————————————–
How do we know? Jmac hasn’t really played in this offense.
October 15th, 2026 at 1:12 pm
Todd Says:
October 15th, 2026 at 12:57 pm
Without Mike Evans Bucs receivers are meh……..
——————————————————————————————
Without Mike Evans Baker is meh……..
October 15th, 2026 at 1:20 pm
Why trade him and take a dead money cap hit? Unless its a 2nd or 3rd pick. He has no guaranteed money for 27.
October 15th, 2026 at 1:22 pm
Deff not godwins fault. I’ve seen several times him open and baker just not look his way. They need to figure this trainwreck out and quickly before it sinks the ship
October 15th, 2026 at 1:31 pm
I disagree with Zac throwing downfield.
He did it way too much in the first 4 games and at the wrong time.
Why do you think Baker has taken sacks and committed turnovers?
He holds the ball too long!!!!!!!
Either it’s on Baker or Jalon Daniels is simply better at his Game-Plan, which is a West-Coast predicated offense relying on short-intermediate passes.
October 15th, 2026 at 1:32 pm
Love CG
But this team is going NOWHERE this year and CG probably will not be part of the future
So … if you love someone set them free
and collect a 4 th round draft pick
October 15th, 2026 at 1:36 pm
Its not like Godwin isn’t catching the ball when it’s thrown his way. He’s only been targeted 21 times and he’s CAUGHT 19 OF THEM.
Both Cade Otton and Emuka Egbuka have been targeted more.Egbuka’s only caught 21 of his 33 targets.
October 15th, 2026 at 1:36 pm
If the Bucs lose to the Steelers. They should sell, and prepare for the rebuild.
1. Kenny gainwell
2. Chris Godwin
3. AWJ4
4. Vita
5. I’d even trade YAYA almost got a sack Diaby
6. Cade Otton, but I doubt anyone would want him.
October 15th, 2026 at 2:06 pm
If the numbers work I don’t see why we wouldn’t trade those four players:
If Jason isn’t willing to do it the glazers should force his hand:
Winfield – you never pay a safety that much money unless they are just all world. He’s not that anymore. If he ever was it was for a short period of time.
Vea – on the wrong side of 30 at that size
Godwin – enough said above
Ya Ya – you’re not going to pay him what other teams will and you have Walker.
I think you could snag a third or a fourth for both Winfield and Vea. Godwin and Ya Ya, maybe not much. A couple of 5th or 6ths.
But that capital could mean we would have the ammo to move up a couple spots for the right guy.
October 15th, 2026 at 2:20 pm
“Both Cade Otton and Emuka Egbuka have been targeted more.Egbuka’s only caught 21 of his 33 targets.”
12 of those incompletions have been categorized as “uncatchable” with a catchable target rate of 65%. So of those 33 targets about 1/3rd haven’t been on the money. That’s not scheme, that’s not lack of separation, those are bad targets from the pocket. Egbuka also has our deepest aDOT, so it correlates with us struggling to get the ball upfield.
October 15th, 2026 at 3:27 pm
Our biggest issue is the O line. If they’re not blocking well, they’re doing a pretty good job of holding.
If the online look like it did two years ago, our offense would be much better IMO.
Blame Baker (and he definitely deserves some) and a rookie QB all you want, neither have had much time back there. They did a pretty good job run blocking last week, but I’d like to see them do that against a top 10 defense before I’m a believer.
October 15th, 2026 at 3:51 pm
Concur with @WBL. Just look at our passing chart. Perhaps we are scared to throw (or haven’t been able to) due to protection issues (perceived or real)?
Hope to see some play action this Sunday as Steelers likely to stack the box.
Chris Godwin is still a terrific WR and has caught balls thrown to him; is/always been outstanding blocker (which we need all we can get to keep run game on track). He is the veteran leader of young WR corps. Trade CG for a late round pick? F that nonsense.
October 15th, 2026 at 5:03 pm
Chris is a gem. Burrow would love this guy and we know he gets down in cold weather. Higgins and Chase tend to work the outside. Geliski is a vertical tight end.
They need someone to run crossing routes on PA and Boots. I think the talking heads of Tampa are already getting calls on Godwin.
Godwin should be in Bucs Ring of Honor. Mike is unreal, but Mike would not have the numbers he has without Godwin to take some pressure off and get the one on ones he did during his time in Tampa. I am sure Mike would say that.
Has anyone seen 49er Mikes Post Game Interviews? He is so much happier. Looks like his time with Tampa Tom and Bucco Bruce. TB is just not a fun guy to play for. Hate saying it, simply is!