After selecting Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka with the 19th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, speculation arose that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might be worried about veteran wideout Chris Godwin’s health heading into the season. The assumption was that the team was planning for a potential absence or diminished role for Godwin. However, this theory is not supported by the contract the Buccaneers gave Godwin just two months earlier.
Buccaneers Show Full Confidence in Godwin With Injury-Free, Fully Guaranteed Contract Terms
Godwin signed a three-year, $66 million deal with Tampa Bay in March, and according to Pro Football Talk, there is no injury-related language in the contract. The agreement includes a $20.745 million roster bonus in 2025 with no requirement for passing a physical or exceptions tied to pre-existing injuries. This strongly suggests the Buccaneers are confident in Godwin’s health and expect him to be a key part of their plans moving forward.
Buccaneers’ Contract With Godwin Disproves Draft-Day Doubts About His HealthIt appears the Buccaneers may have been forced to offer a clean, fully guaranteed deal to keep Godwin, given that he reportedly had a more lucrative offer from the New England Patriots. While New England eventually signed Stefon Diggs with injury protections included, Diggs likely had fewer suitors. Godwin, on the other hand, may have used the competition between the two teams to secure a more favorable contract without injury clauses.
Drafting Egbuka Reflects Strategic Depth Planning, Not Immediate Concern Over Godwin’s Health
Given the financial commitment to Godwin, it would be illogical for the Buccaneers to use a first-round pick as insurance against a player they just guaranteed $44 million. The lack of contractual protections regarding health undermines the theory that Egbuka was drafted out of concern for Godwin’s physical condition. Instead, the evidence points toward a longer-term strategic approach rather than a reactive move.
The more likely reason for drafting Egbuka lies in the team’s future planning, particularly regarding Mike Evans. As Evans enters his 12th season and turns 32 in August, the Buccaneers need to prepare for eventual transitions at the wide receiver position. With few pressing needs on the roster, the team simply opted to take the best available talent, positioning themselves well for the future without signaling concern about their current stars.
