Wide receivers are coming off the board quickly as we begin the NFL's "legal tampering period," though none are taking their talents to Foxborough. The New England Patriots have been searching for a No. 1 target to pair with rising second-year quarterback Drake Maye -- to no avail. And now, they missed out on another potential option who's no longer in play: Chris Godwin.
Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Godwin has agreed to a three-year, $66 million contract extension to remain with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The deal includes $44 million in guaranteed money, keeping the star slot man with the only franchise he's ever known through 2027.
New England Patriots can't catch a break in NFL free agency
If you're the Patriots, this stings -- for more reasons than one. Not only is Godwin an ideal pass-catcher for a young signal-caller like Maye, but he also was heavily linked to New England. Moreover, the one-time Pro Bowler reportedly turned down a more lucrative offer(s) to go elsewhere, choosing to stay with the Buccaneers instead. So, money ostensibly wasn't a factor.
Mike Giardi of the Boston Sports Journal recently noted that the Patriots were "expected to be the driver" for Godwin's services in free agency. He expected the 29-year-old to command a substantial market and net a surprisingly expensive average annual salary despite suffering a frightening season-ending ankle dislocation.
New England was equipped to win a bidding war, though that doesn't matter when the player takes a sizable hometown discount. But according to FOX Sports' Carmen Vitali, Godwin "left about $20 million on the table" to return to Tampa Bay. While it wasn't specified which team(s) made such a lofty bid for the veteran wideout, the Patriots currently have the most cap space in football.
Based on reading the tea leaves, the Pats were presumably among the suitors willing to splurge to acquire Godwin, even if it meant overpaying. When healthy, the longtime Buc is one of the league's premier receivers. He's as sure-handed as they come and thrives as an after-the-catch monster. Maye, or any passer, greatly benefits from his presence as a dynamic security blanket.
Godwin was pacing for a career-best campaign last season before getting shut down due to his nasty ankle injury. He caught 50 passes for 576 yards and five touchdowns over seven games. His 72.6 percent receiving success rate ranked fourth in the league, highlighting the game-changing ability the 2017 third-round pick possesses.