The Patriots have not had a great start to their 2025 free agency so far, with the weekend signings and trades already taking a few players out of contention to make their way to New England. Although they missed out on a few solid players, like D.K. Metcalf, there were still a few players expected to be on their radar, especially wide receivers.
After missing out on the Metcalf trade, the expectation was that the new regime in New England would move their focus to another veteran but in this case, one that was set to hit free agency.
Reports indicated they were ready to go all-in to acquire longtime Buccaneer Chris Godwin, only for some of the first news of the legal tampering period to reveal he would be returning to Tampa Bay on three year contract.
Chris Godwin back to Bucs 3 years 66M chance to make 24 deal done by tory dandy. 44M guaranteed at signing.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2025
Perhaps the biggest blow with this news is the contract Godwin received because the Patriots were willing to pay that or more to bring him to New England. Instead, they won't even have the opportunity to speak with him and now have to shift their focus elsewhere.
The Patriots' options at wide receiver are growing thinner by the moment
The 2025 free agency class was already slim pickings for teams in need of a wide receiver, so for a team like the Patriots, Godwin's re-signing is devastating.
While Godwin being removed from possibilities isn't the end of the world, it is a massive hit to the Patriots' plans and could ultimately force them to attempt a blockbuster trade or sign a mediocre talent that can get the job done but not be the explosive type they desperately need.
That would then emphasize the incoming draft class and likely put a guy like Colorado's Travis Hunter at the top of their most desirable, or even Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan. If they cannot add a solid WR1 or close to it in free agency, that drastically shifts their plans going into the draft.