Major Shakeups Looming in the AFC East
New York Jets fans may have reason to be concerned about their division rivals’ aggressive free-agency plans.
According to multiple reports, the New England Patriots have emerged as frontrunners in the race to sign wide receiver Chris Godwin, who will hit free agency next week unless he finalizes an extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On Friday, Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi added further credibility to the speculation.
“Per league sources, Chris Godwin will be highly sought after if he reaches free agency,” Giardi posted on X. “The Patriots are expected to lead the chase. The price will be higher than expected—think over $25 million per season—despite his season-ending injury.”
Greg Auman of The Athletic, who covers the Buccaneers, echoed these reports while highlighting the financial dynamics at play.
“New England’s significant cap space and lack of elite wideouts have long made them a major threat to Tampa’s hopes of retaining Godwin,” Auman noted. “This could be a leverage move as he negotiates with the Bucs.”
The Patriots are determined to revamp their receiving corps this offseason. They have already been linked to high-profile names such as DK Metcalf, A.J. Brown, Cooper Kupp, and Davante Adams. However, convincing elite talent to join a rebuilding team in a cold-weather market remains a major hurdle.
