NFL Rumors: Chris Godwin 'Most Sought-After' WR in 2025 Free Agency amid Bucs Buzz

There is reportedly expected to be a huge market for wide receiver Chris Godwin in free agency next week.

Speaking Friday on her Scoop City podcast, Dianna Russini of The Athletic said, "[Godwin] is the most sought-after free agent that I'm hearing about."

Mike Giardi of Boston Sports Journal seconded Russini's report, calling Godwin "incredibly sought after," before adding that the New England Patriots are "expected to be the driver" when it comes to his price.

Giardi also reported that Godwin is expected to command "more money than you would have thought," with an average annual value that could exceed $25 million.

The Cincinnati Bengals' decision to place the franchise tag on wideout Tee Higgins may have boosted Godwin's asking price and value significantly since it vaulted Godwin to the top of the free-agent receiver list.

Godwin, 29, was originally a third-round draft pick out of Penn State in 2017, and he has spent his entire eight-year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In 111 regular-season games, Godwin has registered 579 receptions for 7,266 yards and 39 touchdowns, plus he has 34 catches for 402 yards and two scores in seven playoff games.

From 2019 to 2023, the one-time Pro Bowler recorded 1,000 receiving yards or more in four of five seasons with the lone exception being 2020 when had 840 yards due to missing five games due to injury.

Godwin was well on his way to another big year in 2024 with 50 grabs for 576 yards and five touchdowns in seven games, but a dislocated ankle cost him the remainder of the season.

While Godwin has missed multiple games in five of the past six seasons, he is as consistent as any wideout in the NFL when healthy, and he has championship experience, having won a Super Bowl in 2020.

Much of the league is likely in the market for a player like him, but the Patriots undoubtedly stand out as one of the most obvious landing spots since they badly need a No. 1 target for young, promising quarterback Drake Maye in the passing game.