Division rival named ‘potential suitor’ for Buccaneers’ Super Bowl-champion wide receiver

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver could be poached by an NFC South rival.

Oct 13, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) runs in for a touchdown during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images | Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

The 2024 NFL season is now in the rearview mirror as the Philadelphia Eagles claimed the Super Bowl title out of the NFC side. They took down the Kansas City Chiefs in a dominant 40-22 effort.

Now, each of the 32 teams can turn their focus fully to the offseason to take to free agency and the NFL draft to make necessary changes to work toward being a Super Bowl contender as soon as possible.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, following a 10-7 campaign — a one-win improvement from 2023 — will have plenty of decisions to make this offseason. One impactful position they will have to make moves is wide receiver.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) celebrates after he scored a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Veteran receiver Chris Godwin is set to hit free agency. While the club would like the return the 28-year-old pass catcher, there's always a chance he leaves for more money or a new opportunity. Bleacher Report recently listed the top free agents while dropping potential suitors for said players.

Godwin received a solid ranking despite suffering a season-ending injury, and one of the two potential suitors Bleacher Report listed was the Buccaneers' NFC South rival Carolina Panthers.

"If the Buccaneers don't or can't retain the one-time Pro Bowler, however, two teams stand out as obvious fits," Bleacher Report wrote. "The Panthers desperately need to put more receiving help around third-year quarterback Bryce Young. Carolina also happens to employ former Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales."

Tampa Bay needs to keep a strong core of receivers around Baker Mayfield, who has posted two consecutive career seasons with the club. However, should Godwin want change and sign with a team like the Panthers, the squad can pivot and they can use young wide receivers to try and make up for the veteran's impact.

---

READ MORE: Two Buccaneers players appear in PFF's top 101 players of 2024

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2024 season.

Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook

More Tampa Bay Buccaneers News

• Buccaneers remain committed to re-signing Chris Godwin despite injury setback

• Buccaneers target star Notre Dame CB in new 2025 team mock draft

• Tristan Wirfs reveals what Buccaneers need to do to return to Super Bowl

• Ex-Buccaneers QB Tom Brady reveals one key way he'll improve in the booth