Former Penn State football star expected to hit NFL free agency after season-ending injury

A former Penn State football star may soon test the open market this offseason for the first time in his professional career.

Earlier this week, ESPN’s Janna Laine reported that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will not place a franchise tag on standout receiver Chris Godwin by Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline. As a result, the ex-Nittany Lion is expected to enter free agency.

Godwin has already received the franchise tag twice before from the Buccaneers; a third time would have resulted in a 144% raise in his contract. His original contract had a void date of February 17 but was extended to March 12 to give the sides a chance to negotiate a new deal.

“The Bucs very much want Chris Godwin back,” Laine wrote on X. “They’re just not gonna franchise tag him. It wouldn’t make any sense to tag him a third time. And Chris loves Tampa. The Bucs are hopeful to get a new deal done.”

Former Penn State football and Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin. © Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Over the weekend, ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler floated that the New England Patriots may be interested in pursuing Godwin if he does hit the open market. With Tee Higgins receiving a franchise tag from the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, Fowler notes that Godwin would be “far and away the top free agent receiver” this offseason.

Godwin has experienced a tremendous eight-year run in Tampa Bay, eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark four times and putting up 7,266 yards and 39 touchdowns in his career. The former Penn State football standout and Super Bowl champion was leading the league in receptions last fall before suffering a dislocated ankle in October.

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