The general manager of Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jason Licht, was grateful that Chris Godwin wanted to return to the only team for which he played, showing that thanks at Godwin’s press conference after signing again with the team earlier this month. Godwin signed a three -year agreement and $ 66 million with the Buccaneers, but it could have been significantly more if he had signed in another part of the free agency.
Licht revealed that there was a team that aggressively courted Godwin, but would not mention them by name.
“There were several teams that asked, but there was one that continued to write blank checks,” Licht said, through WDAE (transcribed by Pro Football Talk). “We reached a point of what we could do to keep everything together and add some pieces here, and he took it.”
Was the team that sought to give Godwin a blank check to the New England patriots? New England had more than $ 125 million in the salary space available in the free agency, and it was the team that exceeds the Carolina Panthers for the defensive Tackle Milton Williams. Patriots also have a great need in the open receiver, since their current depth table consists of Kayshon Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, demar Douglas, Ja’lynn Polk and the free agent signing Mack Hollins.
In a nutshell, Patriots need an open receiver No. 1 and there were New England reports in a “complete judicial press” in their attempt to sign Godwin. New England also struck DK Metcalf, Debo Samuel and Tee Higgins, turning Godwin into the best remaining option.
New England did not seem to have the opportunity to sign Godwin.
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“I think, what was reduced, honestly, was familiar and remained faithful to what I am,” said Godwin, through a transcription provided by the Buccaneers. “I feel that nine out of 10 people in this position would not necessarily have made the decision I made, but I do not do the things I do based on what other people would do.
“I trust my instinct and I stay faithful to what I am. One thing I have never made is to make any decision based solely on money. I think I am lucky to be in this position and be here on this table again. That is a position that not many people have had. I recognize that and I am fortunate in that way.”
Godwin suffered a torn acl and MCL in Tampa Bay four years ago and had an ankle dislocation last season, two important injuries that the Buccaneers supported him and took care of him in rehabilitation. The Buccaneers put their faith in Godwin, and he returned the favor
“The world really means for me because I feel things like this, not only happen,” Godwin said. “For a guy to have gone through what I have happened and, as you said, in two years of contract, and to be able to make an agreement with the team in which they are, it is very rare.
“He speaks of the type of person that I am, to his trust in me, to his belief in me and that I will put the work not only to be the player who was, but to be better and I take it very, very seriously.”
