Buccaneers’ Chris Godwin Projected For Down 2025 Season After Injury originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Chris Godwin saw his season end early last year due to a nasty ankle injury, and he’s on the comeback trail.

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Granted, it will be a slow and steady approach with the Buccaneers drafting Emeka Egbuka as potential cover to allow Chris to go about his rehab.

But when Godwin does get on the field, how he looks will be an interesting watch, and he will be a key cog of Josh Grizzard’s defense. Luckily, he won’t have to be “the” guy, though.

Mike Evans, Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, and Cade Otton can all pick up the slack if Chris gets off to a slow start, which could be a possibility given how players have struggled to return to their previous form after major injuries.

But for ESPN’s Mike Clay, in his 2025 projections, Godwin doesn’t get near his usual standards.

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Chris Godwin 2025 projection: 74 receptions, 842 yards, six touchdowns.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14).Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

So let’s go through that stat line.

If this does come to fruition, it would be his lowest reception and yards total since 2020 (not counting last year’s numbers). Would that be such a bad thing? We don’t think so.

Clay’s projections also have Evans topping 1,000 yards and Egbuka (618 yards, five touchdowns) and McMillan (420 yards, four touchdowns), Otton (563 yards, five touchdowns) also chipping in, along with running back Bucky Irving (53 rec, 409 yards and three touchdowns).

So there is cover if Godwin doesn’t bounce back straight away.

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Still, over 800 yards and six scores are nothing to sneeze at, but it isn’t the high standard we expect from Chris. But we will give a grace period, and if Godwin can’t get back to being the star we know him to be in 2025, then Tampa Bay will feel vindicated in its decision to draft Egbuka.

Related: Buccaneers’ Jason Licht Reveals ‘No Fight’ Over Baker Mayfield Decision

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 24, 2025, where it first appeared.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin will be returning from injury in 2025. originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were able to win their division despite a number of injuries to some of their key players.

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Perhaps the most impactful injury was to veteran wide receiver Chris Godwin.

In a recent article by PFF, they talk about some of the key players on every NFL team’s starting lineup. For the reigning NFC South champions, they list Godwin as an “X-factor” for the 2025 season.

“Godwin was potentially on his way to his best NFL season before suffering a season-ending injury in Week 7 against Baltimore,” PFF wrote. “His 85.7 PFF receiving grade was the second best of his career. Still just 29 years old with eight excellent seasons under his belt, Godwin has a chance to add even more firepower to an offense that surged down the stretch toward another NFC South title.”

Despite playing just five games this past season, Godwin finished the year with the third-most receiving yards on the Buccaneers. Even though he missed the majority of 2024, people have not forgotten how good he is.

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The 29-year-old wideout finished the 2023 season with 1,024 receiving yards, which was his third season in a row eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark. Mike Evans carried the wide receiver corps with his 11th-straight 1,000-yard season, so he will be relieved to have his partner in crime back.

The Bucs were able to win the NFC South in 2024 … even with this standout player not being fully available … so adding Godwin back into the mix could really put the team over the top.

Related: Buccaneers Biggest Question Mark Next Season Revealed

Related: Buccaneers’ Jalen McMillan Offers 3-Word Scouting Report On Emeka Egbuka

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.

Baker Mayfield’s 2024 season was a career year by every measure.

He threw for 41 touchdowns, completed 71.4% of his passes, and had a passer rating of 106.8, all while leading Tampa Bay back to the playoffs. As the 2025 season approaches, the question is whether Mayfield can repeat or even come close to that level of scoring production.

Mayfield thrived in key situations in 2024, throwing 24 red-zone touchdowns and another 10 scores on throws of 20+ yards. He excelled at attacking all levels of the field and converting third downs, finishing top five in both third-down completion rate and red-zone efficiency. He had five games with three or more touchdown passes, including dominant outings against New Orleans (Week 6, four TDs), the Chargers (Week 15, four TDs), and Carolina (Week 17, five TDs).

While Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr. are returning on a three-year deal, one of the best duos in NFL history remains Mayfield’s most reliable targets. Tampa upgraded its receiving depth this offseason by adding Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson in the NFL Draft.

Egbuka gives Mayfield a versatile route-runner with strong hands and the ability to separate quickly, while Johnson brings elite acceleration and deep speed, which will stretch defenses vertically and open up more space for Mayfield to attack underneath and over the top. These additions give Tampa a much more dynamic and layered receiving corps, allowing Mayfield to distribute the ball more evenly and keep defenses guessing, after a major drop off of production by the depth in 2024, after Evans and Godwin Jr went down with injury.

The Bucs face several teams in 2025 that struggled against the pass last season, including the Panthers, Patriots, and Cardinals, all of whom ranked in the bottom five in passing touchdowns allowed in 2024. Shootout matchups with high-powered teams like Detroit and Houston also increase Mayfield’s opportunities to throw early and often, and with a revamped offense, the team is equipped to keep up with the league’s best.

Final Prediction: 44 Passing Touchdowns

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made just six selections throughout the 2025 NFL Draft. General manager Jason Licht prioritized wide receiver, EDGE, and cornerback with his draft capital, showing a willingness to double down at positions of need. The Buccaneers got both immediate starters and depth pieces.

Let’s analyze their 2025 NFL Draft class, pick by pick.

Round 1 (No. 19): Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

The Buccaneers arguably took the best player available at a future position of need in Emeka Egbuka. The reigning National Championship winner is a highly nuanced route-runner. With Mike Evans and Chris Godwin entering their twilight years, Egbuka should make an immediate impact in three-receiver sets before eventually replacing one of them. Godwin is also coming off his second season-ending injury, so insurance was needed.

Round 2 (No. 53): Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

Benjamin Morrison was once considered a potential first-round pick, but a 2024 injury muddied his pre-draft evaluation. On tape, he’s a technically refined corner with size, length, and patience. The Buccaneers got terrific value at No. 53 overall. Todd Bowles’ passing defense allowed a fourth-worst 243.9 yards per game last season. If he’s healthy, Morrison should quickly push Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum for a starting role outside.

Round 3 (No. 84): Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State

The Buccaneers immediately doubled down at corner by selecting Jacob Parrish in the third round. It’s easy to understand why when you analyze the depth chart. Parrish offers the Buccaneers’ secondary terrific lineup versatility. He possesses outside-inside flexibility. If the Kansas State standout plays the nickel, he could free up Tykee Smith to take more reps at safety next to Antoine Winfield Jr., where there’s a hole.

Round 4 (No. 121): David Walker, EDGE, Central Arkansas

Joe Tryon-Shoyinka departed in free agency and the Buccaneers believe in a heavy rotation at EDGE. David Walker should contend with Chris Braswell for rotational snaps behind projected starters Haason Reddick and Yaya Diaby. Walker was historically productive at Central Arkansas, producing 31.5 sacks over the previous three campaigns. Closing speed and a red-hot motor make him a difficult assignment for offensive tackles in pass protection.

Round 5 (No. 157): Elijah Roberts, DE, SMU

Elijah Roberts is a bit of a tweener at 6-foot-3 and 285 pounds, but the Buccaneers will find a spot for him. Roberts could play a rotational role when Bowles’ defense fields three down linemen with Vita Vea at nose tackle. He’ll support Calijah Kancey and Logan Hall on early downs, with his versatility and rugged approach fitting Bowles’ profile. The ex-SMU defender is an advanced run defender with overpowering strength.

Round 7 (No. 235): Tez Johnson, WR, Oregon

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been very busy this offseason. Right off the bat in NFL free agency, the team made the move to bring back star wide receiver Chris Godwin.

Godwin’s future was one of the biggest storylines surrounding the franchise entering the offseason. Despite plenty of other teams having interest in him, including the New England Patriots who offered him more money, Godwin remain in town.

Baker Mayfield was a huge winner from that move. Now, the Buccaneers are simply hoping that Godwin can get back to full health and pick up where he left off prior to his ankle injury.

TAMPA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 21: Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts after making a first down during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Raymond James Stadium on October 21, 2024… TAMPA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 21: Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts after making a first down during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Raymond James Stadium on October 21, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. Chris Godwin sustained a lower leg injury with less than a minute in the Week 7 matchup. More Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

During the 2024 NFL season, Godwin played in seven games before his season-ending injury. He had caught 50 passes for 576 yards and five touchdowns, well on his way to a big-time year.

Read more: Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy Sends Bold 6-Word Message on 2025 NFL Season

With excitement swirling about Godwin being back, general manager Jason Licht has spoken out with a major update about Godwin’s health.

Licht made his comments about Godwin during a segment on the “Pat McAfee Show.”

“We’re expecting Chris Godwin to be ready for week one,” he said. “We’re excited that he’s gonna be here for another three years.”

That is great news for Tampa Bay. He sounds to be progressing well in his rehab, and having him back for Week 1 would allow the team to get off to a strong start.

At 29 years old, Godwin is still more than capable of being a No. 1 wideout. Playing behind Mike Evans, he’s the No. 2 wideout for the Buccaneers, which suits him well. He causes mismatches nearly every single week.

Read more: NFL Draft Expert Sends Head-Turning Message About Texas QB Arch Manning

Once again, Tampa Bay will be a sleeper team to watch in the NFC. Over the last couple of years, they have been a legitimate contender. Fans should expect to see more of the same in 2025.

What should fans be expecting from Godwin during the 2025 campaign? RotoWire has released their projections for him next year.

They believe that Godwin will catch 76 passes for 832 yards and six touchdowns.

While those numbers are a bit lower than Godwin would like to produce, they’re a good starting point. However, it would not be shocking to see him blow past those numbers and far exceed them.

Expect to see Godwin come back with a strong season in 2025. Bringing him back in free agency should turn out to be a big win for the Buccaneers.

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