“Just another storm, but trust that sunshine is on the other side. Be back soon!” wrote Chris Godwin in an IG post in October last year. His season was cut short by a left ankle injury against the Ravens in the week 7 matchup. The receiver underwent surgery and missed the season. The new league year is 15 days away. And his contract extension hasn’t been confirmed yet. Temperatures are rising in the Buccaneers. The rumor mill is churning strongly at its full pace, and Baker Mayfield is quietly watching the moves.

The 3rd round pick (84th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft saw overwhelming success, especially when Tom Brady was there. He gave his jersey number 12 to the GOAT in 2020, as they won the Super Bowl LV. His contract ended on February 17. Few NFL teams are interested in snatching him. It includes Jaguars, Panthers, and Raiders who will immensely benefit from the receiver.

Baker Mayfield would not like him going to their rivals. In 8 seasons with the Bucs, Godwin played 111 games (84 solo) and recorded 579 receptions for 7,266 receiving yards with 39 touchdowns. He rarely played rushing games with only 13 rushes for 74 yards and 2 TDs.

However, the franchise is pinning their hopes on the GM Jason Licht to stop the receiver from going away. He has already put plans in place, starting with extending the contract discussion deadline. While all these developments are going on, the fans are coming to the receiver’s support. They want him to stay with the team. If he leaves, their O-line problems will only increase.

In the last 11 years, the GM has pulled off some amazing creative free agency and draft talent. This year, he needs to do the same. He is trying to gain an edge over other teams.

Baker Mayfield relying on the GM for draft recruits

The Bucs are already figuring out the best players for them. It includes the Arizona Wildcats standout, WR Tetairoa McMillan. The super-explosive athlete had 84 receptions for 1,319 receiving yards with 8 TDs. To make things easier for Baker Mayfield, Jason Licht is working on new moves.

In the latest mock draft by Pro Football Focus, the GM is expected to trade someone to the Rams and get a 3rd round pick (100th). Additionally, they would swap the 19th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft with the Rams’ 26th rank in the NFL Draft. But who will they draft? There’s another player they are eyeing.

The Georgia Bulldogs DE Mykel Williams! In 3 NCAA seasons, the defensive end recorded 65 tackles (39 solo) with 14 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 3 defended passes. It would help reinforce some defensive power in the franchise. It would give them an additional option to draft someone else to boost their firepower.

All teams are preparing rigorously for the Draft. The combine in Indianapolis this weekend will prove to be extremely crucial. It would be interesting to watch how the future pans out for the players.