Chris Godwin initially dismissed news of Mike Evans' departure to the San Francisco 49ers, dismissing it as internet chatter. The Buccaneers receiver only believed the six-time Pro Bowler was leaving when Baker Mayfield sent a confirming "sad face" emoji. Evans, the Buccaneers' all-time leading scorer, signed with the 49ers in free agency after nine seasons in Tampa.

Godwin and Evans shared a remarkable partnership, sitting 1-2 in franchise history for receiving yards, receptions, and touchdowns. Evans mentored Godwin since the 2017 season, marking the first year of Evans' captaincy. Evans accounted for nearly 30% of the Bucs' receiving production from 2014-2025 and was instrumental in their Super Bowl LV victory in 2020.

Now in his 10th season and turning 30, Godwin becomes the elder statesman of Tampa Bay's receiver room. He's tasked with mentoring Jalen McMillan, Emeka Egbuka, Tez Johnson, and rookie Ted Hurst. The team also added veteran David Sills this offseason. "Those guys, they're ready to go," Godwin said of his younger teammates. "They've been training their whole lives for these opportunities."