Chris Godwin Rumors: Patriots Linked as NFL FA Suitor Amid Bucs' Push for New Contract

The New England Patriots could reportedly make a push for a talented veteran receiver this offseason.

Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Patriots might "get involved" if Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin hits the free agent market. Fowler added that Godwin "would be far and away the top free agent receiver" with Cincinnati Bengals star Tee Higgins expected to get franchise tagged.

While the Patriots would seemingly be interested in adding the receiver, ESPN's Dan Graziano noted that the Bucs are "optimistic about their chances of reaching a deal with Godwin."

Godwin, 29, has been a staple of Tampa Bay's offense since he was drafted in 2017. He's recorded 1,000 or more receiving yards four times in his career, most recently in 2023. He was on pace for a career-high in receiving yards and touchdowns in 2024 before a dislocated left ankle ended his season after just seven games.

ESPN's Jenna Laine reported earlier this week that Godwin's 2025 contract had a void date of Feb. 17, but that deadline has been extended to March 12 to give the two sides more time to negotiate the deal.

"Hopefully, we can come to an agreement with him because Chris means the world to this organization, to all of us individually but as an organization as a whole," Bucs general manager Jason Licht said at the NFL combine. "Nobody has been more resilient than him. We've been down this road, a similar path, with him. Nobody has been more resilient and works harder than him. So those are the good things. If I were a betting man, I'd bet on Chris. But the facts are we have to wade through some variables here."

Staying in Tampa Bay would mean keeping the team's offensive core together as it looks to continue finding success, but the market will almost certainly be hot if Godwin hits free agency. It seems the Patriots will be one of the first teams in line trying to pursue Godwin.