Buccaneers re-sign former Penn State star Chris Godwin on surprise contract

On Wednesday night, the news broke that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have officially re-signed one of the best wide receivers in the National Football League, Chris Godwin. The former Penn State star signed a three-year, $60 million deal with $40 million fully guaranteed at signing, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Godwin will be a free agent again at age 29, per the terms of the deal.

The news comes on the heels of Tom Brady coming out of retirement for the Bucs and deciding to play in Tampa Bay for a 23rd season. Godwin has been one of Brady’s favorite targets the past few seasons and with good reason, the former Penn State star is one of the best receivers in the National Football League. Prior to a season-ending injury he suffered against the Saints, Godwin hauled in 98 catches for 1,103 receiving yards while bringing in five touchdown catches.

The news of the contract is a bit of a surprise, considering the brutal injury that Godwin suffered in December. Since his status for the 2022-2023 season is unclear, the Bucs recently signed former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage to a three-year, $30 million deal.

Since Tom Brady announced his return on Sunday night, the Bucs have also announced several other critical signings in free agency, including defensive back Carlton Davis. The former Auburn standout re-signed with Tampa Bay for three- years, $45 million.

Brady’s longtime teammate Rob Gronkowski, has said he’s going to make Brady sweat his decision out, but that there’s a “very good chance” he’ll be back with the Tampa Bay Bucs for the 2022-2023 season.

Godwin tore his ACL late in the Buccaneers’ season

In the Buccaneers’ 9-0 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 15, Godwin suffered a torn ACL that ended his season. He had surgery to repair both his ACL and MCL on Jan. 3.

As a rookie in 2017, Godwin caught 34 passes for 525 yards and a touchdown. During the 2018 season, he upped his production with 59 receptions, 842 yards, and seven touchdowns. Then, Godwin broke out as a star wide receiver for the Buccaneers in 2019. That year, he had 86 catches for 1,333 yards and nine touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl appearance and being named second team All-Pro. Two years ago, Godwin caught 64 passes for 840 yards and seven touchdowns.

On3’s Jonathan Wagner also contributed to this article.