NFL insider drops an important Chris Godwin Jr. update that can help Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers offense in a big way
A lot of people are wondering how Chris Godwin Jr. and the Buccaneers passing attack will fare without Mike Evans in 2026. The latest update paints an enthusiastic picture.
Chris Godwin Jr. is entering a big year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Primarily because he is now the main guy in the receiver room after Mike Evans’ departure.
“As far as my leadership on this team, it doesn’t change at all, as far as I’m concerned,” Godwin told reporters when asked how Evans’ departure could affect his leadership approach. “What I did and what I brought to the team was completely different from what Mike brought to the team, right? It’s not like he’s gone and I’m like, ‘Oh, I’ve got to step up and be somebody else or somebody that I’m not.’
“I just continue to be me and to me, that’s going to be good as I continue to encourage other guys, continue to try and elevate my game. If I can bring the best version of myself, that’s the best thing I can do for them.”
A lot of people are wondering just how effective Godwin Jr. can be after a down 2025 season that was primarily the result of an up-and-down comeback from 2024’s gruesome injury.
Well, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently released a nugget stating the Buccaneers feel like Godwin Jr. has regained his explosiveness and that’s absolutely huge when considering the nature of the previous injury and the aftereffects that lasted through last year.
If the Buccaneers can get Godwin back to being Godwin, not the No. 1 receiver by default but a guy who is out there beating corners, beating coverage, and making plays, it’s going to be a massive boost for this passing attack. It opens up all kinds of lanes for Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, Tez Johnson, and the rest of the receiving corps.
That tells me this offense could have even more firepower than people expect, and paired with a defense that’s trending in the right direction, Chris Godwin Jr. and the Buccaneers have every reason to feel good about where they’re headed.
