Chris Godwin Rejected Contract from NFL Team Writing 'A Blank Check,' Says Bucs GM

Chris Godwin was a popular target for teams in free agency before he made the decision to return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, to the point that one team seemingly would have matched any offer on the table.

"Well, there were several teams that inquired, but then there was one that just kept writing a blank check," general manager Jason Licht said during an interview with Tom Krasniqi of 95.3 WDAE on Thursday. "We got to a point of what we could do in order to keep everything together and add some pieces here and he took it. Like I said, just a man of character, and just like Lavonte [David] and Mike Evans, I pinch myself, we're so fortunate to have him. These guys are the driving forces for why we have such an incredible, incredible locker room."

It's unclear which team was throwing around a blank check, but Godwin ultimately opted to sign a three-year, $66 million deal to return to Tampa Bay. It was a fantastic deal for the Bucs—even Licht acknowledged that the veteran wide receiver "left a lot of money on the table."

Godwin, 29, saw his 2024 season cut short in Week 7 after suffering a dislocated left ankle. The one-time Pro Bowler was having a fantastic campaign, catching 50 passes for 576 yards and five scores, and was well on pace to exceed his previous career highs in receptions (104), receiving yards (1,333) and touchdowns (nine).

He's clearly established a strong rapport with quarterback Baker Mayfield, which perhaps provided factored into his decision to stay despite bigger offers elsewhere.