Chris Godwin predicted to sign with Patriots in free agency

Evan Massey

February 2, 2021

Chris Godwin is going to be a sought after free agent this offseason after becoming a star over the last couple of years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Plenty of teams will be searching for help at the wide receiver position and one of them could end up being the New England Patriots.

Granted, the Buccaneers do not want to let Godwin get away. They would love to bring him back and could use the franchise tag on him. However, they could be facing some financial issues and may be forced to let him leave.

During the 2020 NFL season with Tampa Bay, Godwin ended up catching 65 passes for 840 yards and seven touchdowns. Back in 2019, he racked up 86 receptions for 1,333 yards and nine touchdowns. The Buccaneers had more weapons for Tom Brady this season, which resulted in lower numbers, but Godwin is still a capable No. 1 wideout.

ESPN’s Bill Barnwell has predicted that Godwin will end up signing with the Patriots this offseason. The contract that he has projected is for four years and $78 million. That is the kind of pay day that Godwin will be looking to receive.

At 24 years old, Chris Godwin is exactly what the Patriots’ offense needs. He would bring athleticism, speed, and youth to the offense. New England hasn’t had those things in awhile, nor have they had a true No. 1 weapon.

With Julian Edelman likely on his way out of town and N’Keal Harry not living up to the hype of being a first-round pick, pursuing a receiver like Godwin would make a lot of sense. Bill Belichick would have to pay big money to get this done, but he should not hold back.

No one knows what the Patriots are going to do at the quarterback position. Cam Newton seems unlikely to return and Jarrett Stidham is not the QB of the future in New England. Many believe they will try to trade up for a talented rookie quarterback, while others think they will pursue a veteran via trade or in free agency.

It doesn’t really matter what the Patriots do at quarterback unless they have weapons. Chris Godwin is the kind of player that can make any quarterback better. He should be at the very top of the New England wishlist this offseason.

Expect to hear a lot of rumors surrounding the Patriots. No one knows what to expect from them once again this offseason. Godwin could be exactly what the doctor ordered for New England and Belichick.