Chris Godwin has built a reputation for being one of the most steady contributors in the league at the wide receiver position since being drafted by the Bucs in 2017. It has not been the smoothest journey for Godwin to get up to this point, as he has had to work his way back from the torn ACL he suffered in 2021. 

While that may have slowed down many players at a position that relies greatly on speed and elusiveness, he has continued to produce, and he is looking forward to doing so again in front of the packed crowds at Raymond James Stadium in 2024.

Chris Godwin Has “Always Been About Consistency” As Bucs WR

Bucs WR Chris Godwin – Photo by: USA Today

Tuesday was an opportunity for the Bucs to get most of the band back together as OTAs get underway. It is a time for players to get into the swing of things and ramp up for next season.

Chris Godwin was out there working up a sweat in the Tampa sun, and he is feeling optimistic about being an even better wide receiver for quarterback Baker Mayfield next season.

“I’m doing well,” Godwin said after practice on Tuesday. “I think each year I get a little bit better and better, and I start to feel a little bit more and more like myself. That’s always exciting, and then I think it’s like for me it’s always been about consistency.”

There is little doubting the consistency Godwin has provided the Bucs’ offense throughout his career, but especially in the past three seasons. After putting up 98 receptions for 1,103 yards and five touchdowns in 2021, he has since had 104 receptions for 1,023 yards and three touchdowns in 2022 before recording 83 receptions for 1,024 yards and two touchdowns in 2023.

While Mike Evans has his decade-long streak of 1,000-yard campaigns, Godwin has been building up his own resume, and with him returning to the slot in more of a throwback role in 2024, it is likely to continue.

“I think quietly, I don’t know if many people know it, but I’ve had my own streak of 1,000 yards with three, including the year I got hurt,” Godwin added. “I don’t think that’s easy to do, so I’m proud of that because it speaks to my level of professionalism. Being able to work through adversity, but also in my teammates and coaches belief in me to go out and make the plays.”

Chris Godwin Is Grateful To Be Where He Is Right Now With The Bucs

Although Chris Godwin is entering a contract year this season and his future with the Bucs is up in the air, he was more than willing to share how much he enjoys being right where he is right now as a star wide receiver that gets to play in Tampa Bay. After a year of playing primarily outside in Dave Canales’ offense, new offensive coordinator Liam Coen plans on moving Godwin back into the slot where he’s had much of his past success.

Bucs WR Chris Godwin – Photo by: USA Today

“I’m fortunate to be here, just grateful to do what I love,” Godwin said. “There’s not many people that get to do what they love and especially like in a form that’s so public like this. You’re doing it in front of the world. I’m really appreciative of it.”

The duo of Godwin and Mike Evans is entering its eighth season, believe it or not. They have long been linked at the hip, and if the former continues to put up impressive numbers and prove his worth, he could force the team into giving him another deal like the latter received this offseason.

One could look at the roster and argue against paying two wideouts big money, but as we went over on Tuesday’s Pewter Report Podcast, one could also justify it on the premise of the production each offers as well as their leadership and presence.

In the age of wide receivers wanting big money and requesting trades to facilitate new deals, each of them is an anomaly that sticks to balling out and letting the money work itself out in the offseason.

Bucs WRs Mike Evans and Chris Godwin and QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“One thing that you guys have learned with me and Mike is, I feel like we’re the ultimate pros,” Godwin added. “We come in and we handle our business. We understand that the off-the-field stuff, there is a business element there too. Kind of have to let that take care of itself but we’re both guys that enjoy what we do and we enjoy the people that we work with.”

Much like last season with Dave Canales, there is plenty of excitement with new offensive coordinator Liam Coen in the building running the show. The expectation is that the continuity on the offensive side of the ball leads to even better results, but to get there means chipping away from now until September 8th when the regular season kicks off.

“I’m grateful to be here, to be out here and putting the work in. It’s a beautiful day here. It’s hard to beat these bright sunny days, right? Even though it’s warm it’s like, the humidity is not fully here yet, so that’s a blessing.”