Chris Godwin: '9 Out of 10 People' Wouldn't Have Picked Bucs Contract Over FA Offers

As one of the top receivers in free agency this year, Chris Godwin could have got a massive payday, but decided to stay with the team that drafted him.

He signed a three-year, $66 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that includes $44 million guaranteed, a deal he believes others wouldn't have settled for.

"I think what it boiled down to, honestly, was family and just staying true to who I am," he told reporters Tuesday. "I feel like nine out of 10 people in this position wouldn't have necessarily made this decision that I did, but I don't do the things I do based on what other people would do. I trust my gut, I stay true to who I am. And one thing I've never done is made any decisions solely based on the money."

Godwin, a third-round draft pick in 2017, has been with the Bucs his entire eight-year career. He experienced the team's struggles early in his career before enjoying a Super Bowl victory in 2020. Now, as the team looks to once again compete for a championship, Godwin wants to be a part of it.

Godwin recorded three consecutive seasons with 1,000 or more receiving yards from 2021 to 2023 and was on pace to do it again last season, but played just seven games because of a season-ending injury.

With a new contract, Godwin will look to have a productive 2025.