Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Bucs' Jason Licht Details 'Elation' At Chris Godwin Deal

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Mar 11, 2025 8:37 PM ET

It may have taken a little longer than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Chris Godwin would have liked, but in the end, the deal got done.

With Godwin approaching free agency, the Bucs worked feverishly to negotiate a deal. While it didn't happen as quickly as many would have liked, the three-year, $66 million deal with $44 million guaranteed was signed.

Everything we heard from outside the building suggested that the Buccaneers would do anything and everything to ensure a deal would get done, and it did. But that doesn't mean there weren't some sleepless nights for Bucs general manager Jason Licht.

"When you're able to bring back one of your own as an organization, and now we've done multiple deals with Chris, it's so rewarding," Licht said. "But it's such a range of emotion like a couple nights ago I was pretty stressed out and then yesterday when we were able to get it done, it's just elation on all of our part."

We imagine that Bucs fans feel the same way with Godwin now returning to an offense that has Mike Evans, an improving Jalen McMillan and Bucky Irving, Tampa is in good hands with Baker Mayfield and that supporting cast.

Godwin was in supreme form prior to his injury in Week 7 of last year, which ended his season. He had 576 yards and five touchdowns in seven games.

Now, the hope is that with his future sorted, the Pro Bowler can fully focus on his rehab and be ready to rock come Week 1 as the Buccaneers, under new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, look to hit the ground running in 2025.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: