In a stunning revelation that’s shaking up the NFL offseason, the New England Patriots’ aggressive pursuit of top-tier wide receivers has come into sharper focus. According to a bombshell report from FOX Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Patriots made a “big offer” to Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Chris Godwin last year in a desperate bid to bolster their receiving corps. This disclosure not only highlights New England’s near-miss in landing one of the league’s premier talents but also underscores the massive decision the Bucs faced—and ultimately made—to keep their offensive weapon locked in.
The Patriots, fresh off a surprising Super Bowl appearance that has reignited their status as a contender, have been no strangers to bold moves. Last offseason, they swung for the fences multiple times in the wide receiver market but came up empty-handed. Schultz’s report pulls back the curtain on one such attempt: a substantial proposal to Godwin, who was entering a pivotal contract year. “The Patriots made several attempts last year to land a WR and couldn’t — including a big offer for Chris Godwin,” Schultz revealed in his latest insider update.
This offer, now made official through Schultz’s reporting, forced the Buccaneers into a high-stakes dilemma. Godwin, a two-time Pro Bowler and key contributor to Tampa Bay’s 2021 Super Bowl victory, has been a cornerstone of their offense alongside quarterback Baker Mayfield. Losing him to a resurgent Patriots team—led by rising star quarterback Drake Maye—could have derailed the Bucs’ aspirations in the NFC South. Instead, Tampa Bay responded decisively, inking Godwin to a three-year extension worth $66 million, ensuring he remains in red and pewter through the 2028 season.
But why the Patriots’ interest in Godwin specifically? New England has been rebuilding its aerial attack, and Godwin’s route-running precision, reliable hands, and ability to rack up yards after the catch (YAC) would have been a perfect fit for Maye’s dynamic playstyle. Last season, Godwin hauled in 83 receptions for 1,024 yards and seven touchdowns, proving he’s still in his prime at age 30. The Pats’ failure to secure him last year left them pivoting to other options, including the acquisition of Stefon Diggs, who joined the team but is now on his way out.
Speaking of Diggs, his impending release is creating ripples across the league. The Patriots announced their intentions to part ways with the All-Pro wideout on Wednesday, freeing up $16.6 million in cap space while absorbing $9.7 million in dead money. Diggs, who posted 85 catches for 1,103 yards and four touchdowns in his lone season in Foxborough, bid farewell to fans via social media, signaling the end of a brief but productive stint. “Grateful for the journey. On to the next chapter,” Diggs posted, accompanied by a Patriot emoji.
This move opens the floodgates for New England to chase even more high-profile talent. Schultz believes the Patriots’ Super Bowl run and Maye’s emergence as a franchise quarterback have transformed them into a “WR hotspot.” “This year, coming off a Super Bowl and with everyone realizing what Drake Maye is, there’s a belief they can have their pick on the WR market. Players will want them, unlike previous years,” Schultz added.
One intriguing name already bubbling up is Chicago Bears wideout DJ Moore. CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones floated the idea in a recent report, suggesting Moore—coming off a down year with 71 receptions for 966 yards and four scores—could be on the move if the Bears reshape their roster. “The former first-round pick is coming off his least productive year of his career. The Patriots could be a landing spot for Moore if the Bears do a deal involving the receiver,” Jones noted. He even speculated on a wilder scenario: Moore as part of a package to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for edge rusher Maxx Crosby, though that remains hypothetical.
For the Buccaneers, the decision to extend Godwin was massive not just in financial terms but in maintaining continuity. With Mike Evans already locked in long-term, Tampa Bay’s receiving duo remains one of the NFL’s most formidable. Godwin’s new deal includes $40 million guaranteed, reflecting the Bucs’ commitment to contending in a competitive division. Head coach Todd Bowles praised Godwin’s leadership post-extension: “Chris is the heart of our offense. This was a no-brainer for us.”
As free agency looms, the Patriots’ “big offer” saga serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in the NFL. What was once a near-acquisition for New England has solidified Tampa Bay’s core, leaving the Pats to hunt elsewhere. Will they land Moore, or perhaps another star like Tee Higgins or DK Metcalf if trades materialize? One thing’s certain: with cap space, a proven QB, and championship pedigree, the Patriots are officially back in the conversation as a destination for elite talent.
Stay tuned as the offseason heats up—more moves are undoubtedly on the horizon for both teams.